In a display of sheer dominance, India's batting lineup dismantled the West Indies attack on the second day of the first Test at Narendra Modi Stadium. Ravindra Jadeja, ever the reliable all-rounder, notched up his sixth Test century, remaining unbeaten on 104 from 176 balls, while KL Rahul anchored the innings with a composed 100. The hosts closed at 448 for five, forging a commanding 286-run lead after the visitors were bundled out for a paltry 162 on day one.
Indeed, the day started with promise for India, resuming at 121 for two. Shubman Gill added a steady 50 before falling, but it was the lower order that truly turned the tide. Dhruv Jurel's maiden Test ton of 105, in partnership with Jadeja's fluent strokeplay, swelled into a massive 206-run stand that left the West Indies bowlers searching for answers. Rahul's knock, patient yet punishing, set the tone early, reaching his hundred with a boundary that echoed his return to form after a patchy run.
However, the West Indies' decision to bat first now looks increasingly misguided. Their top order crumbled under Mohammed Siraj's four-wicket haul and Jasprit Bumrah's late strikes, collapsing inside 50 overs. Captain Roston Chase's choice at the toss, perhaps banking on early moisture, backfired spectacularly. India, meanwhile, showed no mercy, with Washington Sundar unbeaten on nine at stumps, hinting at further accumulation on day three.
Moreover, Jadeja's milestone wasn't just numbers; it surpassed MS Dhoni's Test sixes record, a subtle nod to his evolving legacy. The pitch, offering little to bowlers, favored the batsmen, but India's depth exposed West Indies' bowling frailties—seamer Jayden Seales toiled without reward, conceding runs at will.
Yet, as the series unfolds, one wonders if this lopsided affair signals deeper troubles for West Indies cricket, or merely India's home supremacy at play.