India's batsmen turned the screws on a beleaguered West Indies side during the second day of the first Test in Ahmedabad, piling on runs with ruthless efficiency. By stumps, the hosts had reached 448 for five, forging a commanding lead of 286 runs after the visitors crumbled for just 162 on the opening day. Ravindra Jadeja, ever the all-round maestro, notched up his sixth Test century, remaining unbeaten on 105 from 176 balls, a knock that blended grit with flair amid the sweltering heat.
KL Rahul set the tone early, his composed 100 anchoring the innings after India resumed at 121 for two. However, it was the burgeoning partnership between Dhruv Jurel and Jadeja that truly dismantled the Caribbean bowling attack. Jurel, the young wicketkeeper-batter, celebrated his maiden Test ton with 105, their 206-run stand pushing India into uncharted territory. Shubman Gill chipped in with a steady 50, but the real story was how these performances exposed West Indies' fragile bowling lineup, led by a tiring Jayden Seales and Khary Pierre.
Indeed, the first day's collapse still haunts the tourists, bowled out inside 50 overs thanks to Mohammed Siraj's four-wicket haul and Jasprit Bumrah's lethal three. West Indies' captain Roston Chase must be ruing the toss decision to bat first on a pitch that offered little early seam but turned benign for batting later. Moreover, India's depth shone through, with Washington Sundar unbeaten alongside Jadeja, hinting at more pain for the opposition come day three.
Yet, for all the dominance, questions linger about West Indies' resolve in this series opener. Their batting lineup, featuring the likes of Shai Hope and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, folded too easily, underscoring ongoing transitional woes. As India eyes a massive first-innings total, one wonders if this lead will spark a swift victory or merely prolong the inevitable.