Rahul, Jurel and Jadeja tons put India in command against West Indies in Ahmedabad Test
Ahmedabad: India stamped their dominance on the second day of the opening Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday, riding on brilliant centuries from KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja. At stumps on Day Two, India reached 448/5, stretching their lead to a commanding 286 runs after bowling out the visitors for just 162 on the opening day.
Rahul lays the platform
Resuming on his overnight score, KL Rahul played with assurance in the morning session. The right-hander looked solid against both pace and spin, mixing caution with well-timed strokes. He notched up his 11th Test hundred, a knock that underlined his importance in India’s top order.
Rahul’s celebration was emotional as he kissed the Indian flag on his helmet, acknowledging the crowd in Ahmedabad. He was eventually dismissed for 100, caught at short extra-cover off spinner Jomel Warrican, but not before setting a strong foundation for the middle order.
Jurel’s maiden Test century steals the show
If Rahul set the tone, it was Dhruv Jurel who stole the limelight. Playing just his sixth Test match in the absence of regular wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, the 23-year-old grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
Displaying a calm temperament and crisp shot selection, Jurel struck 15 fours and three sixes in a superb innings of 125 runs. He combined patience with aggression, showcasing maturity beyond his years. His defining moment came in a mammoth 206-run partnership with Jadeja for the fifth wicket, which pulled India further out of any potential trouble.
Reflecting on his knock, Jurel said:
“It’s a huge privilege, even if you’re not playing every game. Being with the squad itself is special. I always work hard because I know one day I’ll get an opportunity, and I need to be 100 percent ready.”
His innings ended when he edged debutant spinner Khary Pierre to the keeper, giving the youngster his maiden Test wicket.
Jadeja continues golden run with the bat
At the other end, Ravindra Jadeja was once again India’s crisis man and backbone. The seasoned all-rounder played with characteristic balance, mixing steady defence with explosive shot-making when the opportunity arose.
He reached his sixth Test century — and his second in three matches — finishing the day unbeaten on 104. His knock included six fours and five towering sixes, with one straight hit off Warrican standing out as the shot of the day.
Jadeja’s form continues to be a massive asset for India, both as a stabiliser and a run-accelerator in the middle order. He will resume on Day Three alongside Washington Sundar (9*), with India well-placed to extend their lead further.
West Indies bowlers toiled hard
The West Indies bowlers found the going tough on a pitch that offered little assistance. Already missing key pacers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, the attack lacked penetration. Despite taking the second new ball, they could not unsettle India’s middle order.
Bowling coach Ravi Rampaul admitted the challenge:
“It was a tough day on a nice wicket to bat. We tried different tactical strategies, but nothing much more could have been done.”
Off-spinner Roston Chase was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/90, while Jayden Seales managed 1/53. But overall, it was a day where India dictated terms and the visitors were left chasing the leather for long spells.
India’s dominance and way forward
With a massive lead already in hand, India are firmly in the driver’s seat. The depth in their batting lineup — including seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and the lower order — ensures they can push the lead well past 350 before declaring.
Once that is achieved, the focus will shift to their potent bowling attack, spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj and supported by spinners. With the West Indies struggling against quality pace and spin, the hosts will look to close out the match decisively.
Brief Scores:
West Indies 162 all out trail India 448/5 in 128 overs (KL Rahul 100, Dhruv Jurel 125, Ravindra Jadeja 104*; Roston Chase 2/90, Jayden Seales 1/53) by 286 runs.
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