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Day 2 of the first Test between India and the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad showcased a commanding performance by KL Rahul. The Indian opener scored a magnificent century, propelling India to 218/3 at lunch. Rahul’s innings not only ended a nine-year drought for a home Test hundred but also provided India with a strong platform to build a commanding first-innings total. His innings demonstrated patience, composure, and calculated aggression, ensuring that India maintained control against a spirited West Indies bowling attack.

KL Rahul’s Milestone Century

KL Rahul reached his 11th Test century, scoring 100 off 190 balls*, featuring 12 crisp boundaries. This century was significant as it marked Rahul’s first home Test hundred since 2016. The innings was a blend of classical strokeplay and modern aggression. Rahul anchored the innings, played with a calm temperament, and punished anything loose while carefully managing his risks. His ability to rotate strike and pick gaps for singles ensured that the scoreboard kept ticking, reducing pressure on the middle and lower order.

Rahul’s innings also reflected his adaptability. Against the seam and swing offered by West Indies bowlers, he mixed watchful defense with well-timed attacking shots, particularly on the off side and through the covers. The century was not just about personal milestones—it came at a crucial time when India needed stability after losing early wickets, providing confidence to the rest of the batting lineup.

Shubman Gill’s Support

Opening partner Shubman Gill played a vital role in complementing Rahul’s innings. Gill scored 50 runs before being dismissed, displaying excellent technique and temperament. The partnership between Rahul and Gill was built on smart strike rotation, sharp running between the wickets, and calculated aggression when opportunities arose.

Their stand helped India recover from early pressure and ensured the team did not lose momentum. While Rahul anchored the innings, Gill provided fluent strokeplay and steady accumulation of runs, allowing India to build a solid foundation for the middle order to capitalize on. Their partnership highlighted the importance of stability at the top of the order in Test cricket, especially against a disciplined bowling attack.

India’s Position at Lunch

By the lunch break, India was 218/3 in 67 overs, leading the West Indies by 56 runs. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 100*, while young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel was on 14*. India’s strong top-order performance at lunch indicates a platform for the team to build a potentially imposing first-innings total. The combination of experience and youth has shown to be effective in setting up the innings for long-term control.

The fact that India had lost only three wickets in 67 overs demonstrates how well the batsmen negotiated the West Indies bowling attack. The team maintained a balance between scoring runs and preserving wickets, which is crucial in building pressure in the longer format.

West Indies Bowling Challenge

The West Indies bowlers, led by Roston Chase, faced a tough challenge against India’s openers. Despite early breakthroughs, they struggled to maintain consistent pressure as Rahul and Gill dictated terms. The visitors found it difficult to extract enough movement from the pitch, and their variations were often met with smart shot selection by the batsmen.

The lack of breakthroughs in crucial moments allowed India to consolidate, and the afternoon session will be pivotal for the West Indies to adjust their strategies. Effective use of short-pitched deliveries, field placements, and targeting the middle order will be key to regaining momentum in the match.

Outlook for the Afternoon Session

India will look to extend their lead in the second session.   With Rahul set at the crease and Jurel providing support, the team aims to build a substantial first-innings total to put pressure on the West Indies. The Indian batsmen will focus on balancing aggression with caution, ensuring that the partnership continues while minimizing risks.

For the West Indies, early wickets are crucial to prevent India from running away with the game. The team will likely try to mix pace, bounce, and spin to create uncertainty and force errors from the set batsmen. The battle between Rahul’s experience and the West Indies attack will define the momentum of the Test match.

Conclusion

KL Rahul’s century has lifted India to a strong position at lunch on Day 2. His 11th Test hundred, ending a nine-year home century drought, has provided stability and momentum to the Indian innings. With India at 218/3 and wickets in hand, the hosts are well-positioned to dominate the first Test. The afternoon session promises exciting cricket as India looks to consolidate its lead, and the West Indies aim to strike crucial breakthroughs to remain competitive in the match.