Ahmedabad: India tightened their grip on the opening Test against West Indies as KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Ravindra Jadeja all struck centuries to give the hosts a commanding 286-run lead at the end of Day 2. India closed on 448 for 5, with Jadeja unbeaten on 104, leaving the visitors facing an uphill battle on a deteriorating surface.
Rahul’s 100 ended his long wait for a home century since 2016, while debutant Dhruv Jurel’s 125 marked his maiden hundred in just his sixth Test. Jadeja, continuing his prolific run, compiled his sixth Test ton, showcasing controlled aggression with five sixes.
The trio’s individual styles stood out — Rahul’s composed knock was dedicated to his infant daughter, Jurel saluted the Indian Army after reaching his milestone, and Jadeja’s trademark sword celebration once again electrified the crowd.
Earlier, Rahul and Shubman Gill had wiped out the deficit with a steady 98-run partnership before Gill fell for 50 and Rahul followed soon after lunch. But Jurel and Jadeja launched a counterattack, stitching together a 206-run stand for the fifth wicket. They narrowly missed surpassing VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar’s 214-run record partnership against West Indies from 2002.
West Indies bowlers, led by Roston Chase (2/90), showed little penetration despite occasional turn and bounce from the rough. Debutant Khary Pierre earned his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Jurel late in the day.
India’s calculated approach, scoring at 3.5 runs per over across 128 overs with 45 fours and eight sixes, reflected both traditional Test match resilience and modern aggression. With a massive lead and favorable conditions, the hosts will aim to wrap up the game inside three days and strengthen their position in the World Test Championship.
