The opening Test of the two-match series between India and West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, has been all about the hosts’ dominance so far. After bowling the visitors out for just 162 runs on Day 1, India carried their authority forward on Day 2 with a commanding batting display. By stumps, India reached 448/5 in 128 overs, taking a massive 286-run lead with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar unbeaten at the crease.
Let’s take a detailed look at how the second day unfolded.
Morning Session: Rahul and Gill steady, then accelerate
India resumed Day 2 at 121/2, trailing by 41 runs, with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill at the crease. The duo began cautiously but soon started finding boundaries as the West Indies bowlers struggled with consistency.
- KL Rahul’s Masterclass: Rahul played with remarkable composure, bringing up his 11th Test hundred—his first on home soil in nearly nine years. He reached the milestone in 212 balls, filled with elegant drives and well-timed sweeps. This was a statement innings from the opener, proving his adaptability across formats.
- Shubman Gill’s Half-Century: Gill, too, was solid at the other end. He reached his 50 in 94 balls and continued to accumulate runs with controlled aggression. During his knock, he also achieved the personal milestone of completing 300 fours in Test cricket.
The pair stitched together a 98-run partnership, ensuring India overtook West Indies’ first innings score without much difficulty. However, Gill’s attempt at a reverse sweep against Roston Chase brought about his dismissal for 50.
At Lunch, India were comfortably placed at 218/3, leading by 56 runs, with Rahul unbeaten on 100 and debutant wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel at the crease.
Afternoon Session: Jurel shines, Jadeja joins the party
The post-lunch session brought more joy for India as Rahul and Jurel carried the innings forward. However, Rahul departed soon after reaching his century, dismissed by Jomel Warrican for 100. That opened the stage for Ravindra Jadeja, who walked in at No. 6.
- Debut Delight for Dhruv Jurel: Playing in place of Rishabh Pant, Jurel showed remarkable maturity. He first settled in cautiously and then began to open up, rotating the strike with Jadeja and punishing loose deliveries. He brought up his second Test fifty with a stylish boundary and later accelerated to reach his maiden Test century in 190 balls. The crowd in Ahmedabad gave him a rousing ovation as he celebrated with a salute.
- Jadeja’s Aggression: At the other end, Jadeja shifted gears beautifully. He played with intent, launching spinners over the ropes and unsettling the Windies bowlers. His stroke play reminded fans of his ability to change the course of a game with the bat.
By Tea, India’s score had swelled to 326/4, with Jurel batting on 68* and Jadeja on 50*. The partnership had already crossed 100 runs, putting India in a commanding position.
Evening Session: Centuries galore and dominance continues
The final session belonged entirely to India’s middle-order duo. Jurel and Jadeja continued their relentless batting display, frustrating the West Indies bowlers who looked short of ideas.
- Jadeja Equals Dhoni’s Record: Jadeja’s six-hitting spree was one of the highlights of the day. With a towering six off Jomel Warrican, he equalled MS Dhoni’s tally of 78 sixes in Test cricket, the joint-third most for India.
- Jurel-Jadeja Stand: The pair’s partnership kept swelling, with both batters taking turns to attack. Boundaries and sixes flowed as West Indies struggled to contain the momentum.
- Milestone Moments:
- Jurel crossed 125 before being dismissed by Khary Pierre, ending a brilliant knock that showcased both patience and aggression.
- Jadeja, however, carried on and brought up his sixth Test century in 168 balls, marked with his trademark ‘sword’ celebration.
- Jurel crossed 125 before being dismissed by Khary Pierre, ending a brilliant knock that showcased both patience and aggression.
When stumps were called, India had reached 448/5, with Jadeja unbeaten on 104 and Washington Sundar (9*) giving him company. The hosts had a massive 286-run lead, putting them in complete control of the contest.
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Key Performers of Day 2
India
- KL Rahul – 100 (classy knock anchoring the innings)
- Shubman Gill – 50 (solid captain’s innings)
- Dhruv Jurel – 125 (maiden Test century, full of promise)
- Ravindra Jadeja – 104 (sixth Test hundred, aggressive and impactful)*
West Indies
- Roston Chase – picked crucial wickets but lacked support
- Jomel Warrican & Khary Pierre – got one wicket each but went for runs
- Overall Bowling Effort – inconsistent and lacked bite
West Indies’ Struggles
The visitors are on the back foot. Their bowlers failed to create sustained pressure, often straying in line and length. Injuries too added to their woes, with Brandon King leaving the field mid-session. With a huge deficit already in play, the only option left for them is to show grit with the bat in the second innings.
Their batting lineup, however, looked shaky in the first innings, and unless the likes of Shai Hope, Kraigg Brathwaite, and Nicholas Pooran deliver big scores, an innings defeat could be looming.
Match Situation & Outlook for Day 3
India are in total command of the match. With a 286-run lead and Jadeja still at the crease, they will look to bat for another session on Day 3 and take the lead beyond 400. That would leave West Indies with the uphill task of batting out two-and-a-half days to avoid defeat.
For the visitors, the only realistic way to claw back is by showing tremendous application in the second innings. Their bowlers will also need to strike early on Day 3 to prevent India’s lead from ballooning further.
Conclusion
Day 2 at Ahmedabad was a day of Indian dominance, powered by three brilliant centuries from KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Ravindra Jadeja. The trio not only batted West Indies out of the contest but also gave India the luxury of dictating terms for the rest of the Test.
With a lead nearing 300, India have already planted one foot firmly on the victory podium. West Indies will need nothing short of a miracle to make a comeback from here.
Fans can expect India to push for a declaration on Day 3 and unleash their bowlers with the cushion of a mammoth lead. Unless the visitors show rare resilience, this Test could well be heading towards a one-sided finish.
Today match Prediction: India will win the match.