India asserted dominance over the West Indies on Day 2 of the first Test, amassing a substantial lead of 286, primarily thanks to aggressive centuries from Dhruv Jurel (125) and Ravindra Jadeja (104*). Following KL Rahul`s initial hundred, Jurel and Jadeja forged a formidable 206-run partnership in Ahmedabad, putting immense pressure on the West Indies bowlers. At stumps, India stood at 448-5, responding to the West Indies` first-innings total of 162. Jadeja remained unbeaten on 104, with Washington Sundar joining him at nine runs.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Jurel marked his maiden Test century with a boundary against West Indies captain Roston Chase, celebrating the milestone with a military-style salute, a nod to his war veteran father.
Jurel aggressively scored 15 fours and three sixes before ultimately falling to debutant left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, becoming his first Test wicket.
Jadeja notched his sixth Test hundred, delighting the crowd at the world`s largest cricket stadium with his characteristic `sword` celebration. His innings featured six fours and five sixes.
The contrasting right-handed (Jurel) and left-handed (Jadeja) batting duo effectively wore down the West Indies bowlers on a pitch that showed signs of deterioration.
A ball from Jomel Warrican exemplified the pitch conditions, staying low at ankle height past Jadeja after hitting a rough patch created by bowlers` footmarks.
After the lunch break, Warrican`s left-arm spin dismissed Rahul, who was caught at short extra-cover on the fifth ball. Rahul added no further runs after completing his 11th Test century.
Rahul reached his hundred earlier in the morning session, acknowledging the applause from the sparse crowd in the immense 132,000-capacity stadium by kissing the Indian flag on his helmet.
Resuming the day at 121-2, Rahul and captain Shubman Gill (50) extended India`s lead, adding a crucial 98-run partnership that further frustrated the West Indies.
Both overnight batsmen experienced some anxious moments early in their innings.
Rahul had a close call on 57, as an edge narrowly evaded both the wicketkeeper and slip in the day`s opening over.
Starting at 53 runs, Rahul consistently found the boundary, showcasing his excellent timing and refined technique.
Gill, after a conservative start, found his rhythm and achieved his eighth Test fifty with a single off Pierre.
However, the captain was soon dismissed by Chase`s off-spin, caught at slip by Justin Greaves after attempting a reverse sweep.
The West Indies team has visibly struggled, particularly due to the absence of key fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, both sidelined by injuries before the series.
India remains the overwhelming favorite to secure a 2-0 series victory against a West Indies side that is a mere shadow of its former cricketing glory.
