Rahul, Jurel and Jadeja Tons Power India into Commanding Lead over West Indies in Ahmedabad Test
India tighten grip with 286-run advantage as trio’s centuries flatten West Indies on Day 2
AHMEDABAD, Oct 3: Centuries from KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Ravindra Jadeja put India in complete control of the opening Test against the West Indies, as the hosts piled up a commanding 448 for 5 at stumps on Day 2, taking a massive first-innings lead of 286 runs.
Rahul (100 off 197), Jurel (125 off 210), and Jadeja (104* off 178) showcased contrasting batting styles but equal dominance to virtually bat the visitors out of the contest. While Rahul’s 11th Test hundred ended his long wait for a century on home soil since 2016, Jurel registered his maiden Test ton in just his sixth appearance, and Jadeja continued his prolific run with another trademark all-round show, celebrating his sixth Test hundred.
Jurel and Jadeja stitched together a magnificent 206-run partnership for the fifth wicket, narrowly missing the record stand against West Indies set by VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar (214 at Eden Gardens in 2002). Jurel’s fluent knock, featuring 15 boundaries and three sixes, ended late in the day when he edged debutant Khary Pierre behind for the left-arm spinner’s maiden Test scalp.
Earlier, Shubman Gill (50) partnered Rahul in a steady 98-run stand for the third wicket before both fell in quick succession. Rahul’s patient ton was marked by calm stroke play, while Jadeja’s innings included five towering sixes – all struck in the same region – helping him surpass MS Dhoni’s record for most sixes by an Indian in Test cricket.
With the West Indies bowlers struggling for penetration and the field visibly lacking energy, India maintained a scoring rate of 3.50 per over across 128 overs, striking 45 boundaries and eight sixes along the way. The visitors’ only bright moments came through disciplined spells from Roston Chase (2/90) and Justin Greaves’ sharp fielding in the slips.
At the end of the second day, India’s huge lead and the deteriorating surface with increasing turn and bounce left them in pole position to push for victory by Day 3 and further boost their standing in the World Test Championship table.
