AHMEDABAD, India’s middle-order put on a batting clinic, featuring two stunning centuries, which has left them in a strong position at the end of Day 2 of the first Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel shone with his maiden Test hundred (125), while the inform all rounder Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 104, helping India close the day at 448/5 and extending their lead to a hefty 286 runs.
The day kicked off on a high note as KL Rahul, who stepped back from white-ball cricket earlier this year, turned his overnight fifty into his 11th Test century, his first on home turf since 2016. His return to form is certainly making waves in Indian cricket circles, and it’s a much-needed boost for the seasoned batter. He formed a vital 98-run partnership with Shubman Gill (50), who also played well to secure a solid half-century.
But the real highlight was the fifth-wicket partnership between Jurel and Jadeja. After losing a couple of quick wickets, the pair showed both determination and flair. In just his second Test, Dhruv Jurel kept his cool, capitalizing on loose deliveries and celebrating his maiden Test hundred with a powerful drive. His innings, a clear sign of his potential as one of India’s brightest young stars, was marked by a touching salute to his father, a war veteran
Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja continued his impressive form with the bat, notching up his sixth Test century. The Saurashtra allrounder, famous for his signature “sword” celebration, took the attack to the bowlers, especially the spinners, ensuring the scoring rate stayed high. Their record-breaking 206 run partnership effectively took the game away from a struggling West Indies side, which could only manage to take three wickets throughout the day.
🏏 Player Performance Table (India vs West Indies, Day 2)
| Player | Runs / Not Out | Balls | 4s | 6s | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhruv Jurel | 125 | 210 | 15 | 3 | Maiden Test century; later dismissed by Khary Pierre |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 104* | ~176 | 6 | 5 | Not out at stumps, part of big 206-run stand with Jurela |
| KL Rahul | 100 | ~197 | — | — | Led India’s charge with a century earlier in the innings |
| Shubman Gill | 50 | — | — | — | Not out at stumps, part of a big 206-run stand with Jurela |
