KL Rahul’s 11th Test century set the tone for India’s dominance against the West Indies, with Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja also compiling stylish hundreds to give the hosts a massive advantage in the opening Test. By the close of play on Day 2, India had surged to 448 for 5, securing a lead of 286 runs. With spin already offering turn and bounce, the Indians will look to wrap up the contest inside three days and strengthen their standing in the World Test Championship.
Rahul (100 off 197 balls), Jurel (125 off 210), and Jadeja (104* off 178) each brought their own flair to the innings, celebrating their centuries in unique fashion—Rahul dedicating his to his daughter, Jurel saluting the Indian Army, and Jadeja performing his trademark sword gesture.
The West Indies attack appeared toothless, allowing India to dictate terms. Over 128 overs, the hosts scored at 3.50 an over, striking 45 fours and eight sixes, five of which came from Jadeja in the same area.
Rahul, whose last century at home had come back in 2016 against England, finally broke the drought to register his 11th overall. For Jurel, it was a maiden Test hundred in just his sixth appearance, while Jadeja continued his golden run, scoring his sixth Test century and seventh 50-plus score in just six matches since the England series.
The highlight of the day was the 206-run fifth-wicket partnership between Jurel and Jadeja. Though it fell short of the record 214-run stand by VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar at Eden Gardens in 2002, it put India firmly in control. Jurel’s dismissal late in the day, edging Khary Pierre for the debutant’s first Test wicket, ended the marathon stand. Jurel’s innings featured 15 fours and three sixes.
India, resuming on 121 for 2, erased the 41-run deficit swiftly in the morning. Shubman Gill and Rahul added 98 runs for the third wicket before Roston Chase (2/90) removed Gill for 50, caught at slip. Rahul reached his century with a reverse sweep off Pierre but was dismissed after lunch when he drove loosely to extra cover.
Jurel and Jadeja then steadied and accelerated, particularly in the 70–80 over phase, adding 44 brisk runs before the Windies opted against the second new ball. Jurel launched the counter-attack with a six over midwicket, while Jadeja played aggressively down the track, lofting five sixes in total. In the process, he overtook MS Dhoni in India’s list of most Test sixes.
Despite consistent discipline from the West Indies, their bowlers failed to unsettle the pair, and India ended the day with complete command of the match.
Brief scores:
West Indies (first innings): 162 all out
India (first innings): 448/5 in 128 overs (KL Rahul 100, Dhruv Jurel 125, Ravindra Jadeja 104 batting; Roston Chase 2/90).
Also Read | West Indies Make History: Humiliate Pakistan in 3rd ODI for First Time in 35 Years
