Shubman Gill-led India took firm control of the opening Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, declaring their first innings at 448 for 5 at the close of Day 2. Centuries from KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Ravindra Jadeja laid the foundation for a dominant performance, giving India a massive 286-run lead going into the third day.
Rahul set the tone with a composed knock, bringing up his 11th Test century and his first at home in nearly nine years. Jurel, playing in just his early days of international cricket, impressed with a fluent 125. Jadeja, batting with his usual mix of patience and aggression, added an unbeaten 104, finishing the day strong with his trademark sword celebration as the crowd roared.
Earlier, India bowled out the West Indies for a modest 162 in their first innings, and their powerful response with the bat ensured complete control of the match. Gill contributed with a steady half-century at the top, while Rahul and Jurel put on a commanding 206-run stand. Jadeja later took over, guiding India past the 400-mark before the team chose to declare overnight.
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The decision to declare at stumps on Day 2 was a tactical one, aimed at exploiting the early morning conditions on Day 3. With the pitch starting to show signs of wear and offering turn, the Indian spin trio of Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to come into play in a big way.
West Indies bowlers found little success on a batting-friendly surface. Roston Chase was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 90, while Jomel Warrican, Jaden Seales, and Khary Pierre claimed a wicket apiece.
With a commanding lead and the pitch offering increasing assistance to bowlers, India will now aim to wrap up the match without needing to bat again. The responsibility will rest heavily on the shoulders of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who took seven wickets between them in the first innings.
Brief Scores: West Indies 162. India 448/5 declared.