Centuries from K.L. Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Ravindra Jadeja placed India in the leading position at stumps on day two of the first Test against the West Indies. India finished the day at 448 for five, establishing a first-innings lead of 286 runs. The trio’s performance effectively batted the visitors out of the game, with Jadeja, 104 and Washington Sundar, 9 remaining at the crease.
K.L. Rahul reached his second home Test century, a landmark he had waited 3,211 days to achieve since his 199 against England in 2016. After reaching the hundred, his celebration was seen as a tribute to his newborn child. However, he was dismissed for 100, caught at short extra-cover off Jomel Warrican.
Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, playing in the absence of Rishabh Pant, compiled his maiden Test century. He scored a composed 125 and dedicated the achievement to his father, a retired army man, before being dismissed by Khary Pierre, who claimed his first-ever test wicket at the age of 34.
Following Rahul's dismissal, Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja forged a 206-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Jadeja adopted an aggressive approach against the West Indian spinners, frequently advancing down the track to disrupt their lengths. His strategy proved effective, particularly against Warrican, whom he hit for multiple sixes. Jadeja’s unbeaten 104, his fourth test century, also saw him become the second-highest run-scorer in Tests this year, surpassing Rahul. He now has 3,989 runs and 330 wickets in his Test career.
Earlier in the day, captain Shubman Gill scored a half-century before being dismissed for 50. He was caught at first slip attempting a reverse sweep against Roston Chase. The West Indies bowlers struggled for control, with their inexperience showing. An early chance went begging when Jayden Seales found Rahul's edge in the first over of the day, but the ball flew through a vacant slip area to the boundary. The spin trio of Warrican, Chase, and Pierre conceded a combined 283 runs for their four wickets over 82 overs.
With a lead of 286 runs and five wickets still in hand, India has taken total control of the Test match. The West Indies faces a monumental task to get back into the contest, with India poised to extend their lead further on the third day. The current position creates doubts if the match may require the full five days to reach a conclusion.
