In a display of sheer batting dominance at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India's Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 104, his sixth Test century, as the hosts piled up 448 for five by stumps on the second day of the first Test against West Indies. The all-rounder, fresh off his exploits in the England series, anchored a crucial partnership, pushing India's lead to a massive 286 runs after the visitors were skittled for just 162 on day one.
KL Rahul, opening the innings with characteristic poise, notched up his ton with a well-judged 100, silencing any doubts about his form in the longer format. His knock, laced with elegant drives, set the tone after India resumed at 121 for two, trailing by a slender 41. However, it was the emerging duo of Dhruv Jurel and Jadeja who truly turned the tide. Jurel, the wicketkeeper-batter, celebrated his maiden Test hundred with 105, their 206-run stand frustrating the West Indies bowlers on a pitch offering little assistance.
Indeed, West Indies' decision to bat first looked increasingly misguided as Mohammed Siraj's fiery four-wicket haul and Jasprit Bumrah's three strikes dismantled their top order early. By tea on day one, the Caribbean side was reeling at 85 for six, their middle order crumbling under pressure. Shubman Gill chipped in with a steady 50 before departing, but it was Jadeja's late flourish— including a six that edged past MS Dhoni's Test record— that highlighted India's depth.
Moreover, the match scorecard tells a story of contrasts: West Indies' total exposed vulnerabilities in their bowling attack, with spinners like Roston Chase unable to stem the flow. India, under Gill's captaincy, now eye a declaration that could set up a declaration and a potential innings victory. Yet, as the series unfolds, one wonders if West Indies can mount a comeback on this benign surface, or if India's momentum will prove insurmountable.