In a display of batting prowess that left little room for doubt, India's Ravindra Jadeja notched up his sixth Test century on the second day of the first Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad. The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 104 from 176 balls, anchoring a formidable partnership with Dhruv Jurel, who also celebrated his maiden Test ton with 125 runs. This duo's 206-run stand pushed India to 448 for 5 at stumps, forging a massive 286-run lead after West Indies had folded for just 162 on the opening day.
KL Rahul set the tone early, grinding out a patient 100 before departing, his knock a reminder of his understated reliability at the top. Shubman Gill chipped in with a steady 50, but it was Jadeja's fluency that truly tilted the match. Indeed, the left-hander's timing, especially against the spin, exposed West Indies' bowling frailties—something their attack struggled to mask under the Ahmedabad sun. However, the visitors' decision to bat first now looks increasingly misguided, with Mohammed Siraj's four-wicket haul on day one still fresh in memory.
Moreover, Jurel's emergence adds another layer to India's depth, his 105 not out earlier in the day evolving into a full century that silenced doubters. Washington Sundar, unbeaten on 9, joined Jadeja to see off the final overs. The scorecard tells a story of dominance: India lost only three wickets on day two, adding 327 runs to their overnight 121 for 2. West Indies, trailing badly, face an uphill battle on a pitch offering little assistance to their bowlers.
Yet, cricket's unpredictability lingers. As day three dawns, one wonders if West Indies can mount any resistance against this Indian juggernaut.