Day 2 of the first Test between India and West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad delivered a masterclass in batting, as India surged ahead with a commanding performance. By stumps, the hosts had amassed 448 for 5, establishing a formidable 286-run lead in the first innings—a position of dominance that has left the visitors searching for answers and fans on the edge of their seats.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the emergence of Dhruv Jurel as a new star in Indian cricket. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, playing in place of the injured Rishabh Pant, scored his maiden Test century in style, reaching the milestone with a boundary off Roston Chase. Jurel's 125 came off 210 balls and was laced with confidence and composure. As the 12th Indian wicketkeeper to notch a Test ton, he joined an elite group that includes Vijay Manjrekar, Farookh Engineer, Ajay Ratra, and Wriddhiman Saha, all of whom have scored hundreds against the West Indies.
Jurel's innings was more than just a personal triumph—it formed the backbone of a massive 206-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja. This stand not only rescued India from a potentially tricky position but also put the home side firmly in control. After Jurel's dismissal, caught behind by Shai Hope off Khary Pierre, Jadeja continued to pile on the runs, showcasing his trademark blend of aggression and patience.
Ravindra Jadeja, whose batting form has been nothing short of sensational in recent months, brought up his sixth Test hundred. He finished the day unbeaten on 104, having faced 168 deliveries and peppered his innings with boundaries and sixes. Jadeja's ability to switch gears was on full display—he started cautiously, rotating the strike and playing second fiddle to Jurel, before launching a flurry of attacking strokes once he neared his century. His iconic 'sword' celebration after reaching fifty had already electrified the crowd, but the hundred drew even louder cheers.
Washington Sundar, returning to the Test side, provided steady support at the other end and remained unbeaten on 9 at stumps. The pair will look to extend India's lead further when play resumes on Day 3.
Earlier in the day, KL Rahul set the tone with a composed and technically sound century—his 11th in Test cricket and his first on home soil since December 2016, when he scored 199 against England in Chennai. Rahul's 100 was a lesson in patience and shot selection, as he crafted a crucial 98-run partnership with captain Shubman Gill for the third wicket. "I am not sure why this is so," Rahul remarked about his long wait for a home hundred. "But I have been focused on maintaining my batting tempo. I really enjoyed batting in English conditions this year. Getting runs there gave me a lot of confidence. Coming into this series, I have also worked on my fitness as these conditions have been quite challenging."
Shubman Gill, leading the side in a home Test for the first time, contributed a solid 50 before departing in the opening session. His partnership with Rahul was marked by caution and resilience, ensuring India steadied themselves after the early loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gill's own achievements as captain continue to mount—he has already surpassed 800 runs as Test skipper, with his consistency providing a reassuring presence at the top of the order.
West Indies, who were bowled out for a modest 162 on Day 1, struggled to make inroads on a surface that offered little assistance to the bowlers. Spinner Roston Chase was the pick of the attack, claiming 2 wickets for 90 runs in 24 overs. His dismissals of Gill and Rahul were the few bright spots in an otherwise tough outing for the visitors. The Windies also faced an injury scare when Brandon King was forced off the field after a diving effort, further compounding their woes.
The visitors' frustrations were evident as they burned two unsuccessful reviews on LBW shouts against Jurel and Jadeja, with technology confirming the on-field umpire's decisions. The West Indies tried various tactics, including taking the new ball late in the day, but the Indian duo remained unflappable. Captain Roston Chase rotated his bowlers in search of a breakthrough, but the hosts' disciplined approach and depth in batting proved too much to handle.
This Test marks a significant moment in Indian cricket history, as it is the first home Test in 15 years without the presence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, or Ravichandran Ashwin—all of whom retired over the past season. Their absence was keenly felt in the stands, but the new generation has clearly stepped up to fill the void. The last time India played at home without these stalwarts, they suffered a stunning 3-0 defeat to New Zealand. This time, the narrative has shifted, with India demonstrating their bench strength and adaptability.
For the West Indies, the challenge remains daunting. They have not beaten India in a Test match—home or away—since 2002, a run that now extends to 25 consecutive matches. Their recent form across formats has been a cause for concern, with heavy defeats in Australia and England, and even a shock loss to Nepal. The Ahmedabad Test has only added to their string of tough results.
As the series opener heads into Day 3, all eyes will be on India's lower order to see how much further they can stretch the lead. With Jadeja still at the crease and Sundar providing company, there's every chance the hosts will try to bat West Indies out of the contest. Meanwhile, the visitors will hope for early wickets and a spirited fightback to keep the series alive.
The second and final Test of the series is set to begin on October 10 in New Delhi. Judging by the evidence so far, India will enter that match brimming with confidence, while West Indies will be desperate to regroup and rediscover their winning ways. For now, though, the story belongs to Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, and KL Rahul—three centurions who have put India in complete command of the first Test.
With the action still ongoing in Ahmedabad, fans can expect more drama and excitement as this gripping contest continues to unfold.
