Rahul, Jurel and Jadeja tons put India in command against West Indies in Ahmedabad Test
<p><strong>Ahmedabad:</strong> India stamped their dominance on the second day of the opening Test against the West Indies at the <strong>Narendra Modi Stadium</strong> on Friday, riding on brilliant centuries from <strong>KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja</strong>. At stumps on Day Two, India reached <strong>448/5</strong>, stretching their lead to a commanding <strong>286 runs</strong> after bowling out the visitors for just 162 on the opening day.</p><h3>Rahul lays the platform</h3><p>Resuming on his overnight score, <strong>KL Rahul</strong> 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 <strong>11th Test hundred</strong>, a knock that underlined his importance in India’s top order.</p><p>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 <strong>Jomel Warrican</strong>, but not before setting a strong foundation for the middle order.</p><h3>Jurel’s maiden Test century steals the show</h3><p>If Rahul set the tone, it was <strong>Dhruv Jurel</strong> who stole the limelight. Playing just his <strong>sixth Test match</strong> in the absence of regular wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, the 23-year-old grabbed his opportunity with both hands.</p><p>Displaying a calm temperament and crisp shot selection, Jurel struck <strong>15 fours and three sixes</strong> in a superb innings of <strong>125 runs</strong>. He combined patience with aggression, showcasing maturity beyond his years. His defining moment came in a mammoth <strong>206-run partnership</strong> with Jadeja for the fifth wicket, which pulled India further out of any potential trouble.</p><p>Reflecting on his knock, Jurel said:</p><blockquote><p>“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.”</p></blockquote><p>His innings ended when he edged debutant spinner <strong>Khary Pierre</strong> to the keeper, giving the youngster his maiden Test wicket.</p><h3>Jadeja continues golden run with the bat</h3><p>At the other end, <strong>Ravindra Jadeja</strong> 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.</p><p>He reached his <strong>sixth Test century</strong> — and his <strong>second in three matches</strong> — finishing the day unbeaten on <strong>104</strong>. His knock included <strong>six fours and five towering sixes</strong>, with one straight hit off Warrican standing out as the shot of the day.</p><p>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 <strong>Washington Sundar</strong> (9*), with India well-placed to extend their lead further.</p><h3>West Indies bowlers toiled hard</h3><p>The West Indies bowlers found the going tough on a pitch that offered little assistance. Already missing key pacers <strong>Alzarri Joseph</strong> and <strong>Shamar Joseph</strong>, the attack lacked penetration. Despite taking the second new ball, they could not unsettle India’s middle order.</p><p>Bowling coach <strong>Ravi Rampaul</strong> admitted the challenge:</p><blockquote><p>“It was a tough day on a nice wicket to bat. We tried different tactical strategies, but nothing much more could have been done.”</p></blockquote><p>Off-spinner <strong>Roston Chase</strong> was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/90, while <strong>Jayden Seales</strong> managed 1/53. But overall, it was a day where India dictated terms and the visitors were left chasing the leather for long spells.</p><h3>India’s dominance and way forward</h3><p>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 <strong>Nitish Kumar Reddy</strong> and the lower order — ensures they can push the lead well past 350 before declaring.</p><p>Once that is achieved, the focus will shift to their potent bowling attack, spearheaded by <strong>Mohammed Siraj</strong> and supported by spinners. With the West Indies struggling against quality pace and spin, the hosts will look to close out the match decisively.</p><h3>Brief Scores:</h3><p><strong>West Indies 162 all out</strong> trail <strong>India 448/5 in 128 overs</strong> (KL Rahul 100, Dhruv Jurel 125, Ravindra Jadeja 104*; Roston Chase 2/90, Jayden Seales 1/53) by 286 runs.</p>