When KL Rahul, batsman of India reached his 100th run, the crowd at Narendra Modi Stadium erupted, marking the first of three Indian centuries on Day 2 of the first Test against West Indies on 3 October 2025. India finished the session at 448/5, carving out a massive 286‑run lead and leaving the visitors reeling after they were bowled out for just 162 in their first innings. The day belonged to the trio of batters – Rahul, debut‑centurion Dhruv Jurel, and all‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja – whose knocks not only reshaped the scoreboard but also set the tone for what could be a dominant series for the hosts.
Day‑2 Recap: A Triple Century Party
Rahul started cautiously, edging a ball through the slips in his first over, but soon settled. By lunch his score stood at 45, and he continued to rotate the strike, reaching the three‑figure mark with a fine cover drive on the 63rd ball of his innings. He remained unbeaten, finishing on exactly 100. Jurel, who entered after Shubman Gill’s dismissal at 218/3, displayed composure beyond his 23‑year‑old years. He nudged his way to a maiden Test century – 104 runs – anchoring the middle order while the ball swung gently under the lights. His partnership with Rahul added 110 runs, a crucial bridge that pushed the total past 400. Jadeja’s hundred was the most flamboyant of the three. Arriving at 398/4, the left‑handed all‑rounder unleashed five sixes off West Indian spinner Jomel Warrican, equalling the joint‑second most sixes by an Indian batter against a single bowler in Test history. He completed the day unbeaten on 104, taking his season tally to two centuries in 2025.
How India Built the 286‑Run Lead
The innings progression was methodical yet aggressive. After the overnight score of 218/3, India added a 110‑run stand for the fourth wicket (Rahul‑Jurel), then a rapid 90‑run partnership for the fifth (Jurel‑Jadeja). By the end of the 128th over the scoreboard read 448/5.
- Rahul – 100 (100 balls, 10 fours, 2 sixes)
- Jurel – 104 (132 balls, 13 fours, 1 six)
- Jadeja – 104* (115 balls, 9 fours, 5 sixes)
- Washington Sundar – 9* (12 balls) – lower‑order support
The hosts also completed their 90‑over quota before the 5 pm tea, indicating disciplined batting and a strategic intent to bat deep into Day 3. Nitish Kumar Reddy remains at the crease, poised to add quick runs if the team decides to extend the lead further.
Reactions from Players and Pundits
Team captain Rohit Sharma praised the collective effort: “We wanted to build a platform, and the top order gave us exactly that. The middle order backed it up with grit.” West Indies captain Kieron Pollard admitted the bowlers were “out‑classed today” but hinted at a fight: “Our spinners tried to vary the pace, but at times the ball just didn’t bite. We’ll regroup and look for early wickets in the second innings.” Analyst Harsha Bhogle noted Jadeja’s role: “He’s become a true finisher now – not just a utility player. His aggressive intent against the spin unit forces the opposition to rethink field placements.”
What Lies Ahead for West Indies
Facing a 286‑run deficit, the Caribbean side must mount a formidable first‑innings reply to avoid an innings defeat. Their bowlers, led by the experienced Jomel Warrican, will look to extract bounce and turn from the flat Ahmedabad pitch. Early wickets will be essential; otherwise, the psychological pressure could compound the scoreboard gap.
Pitch reports suggest the surface will retain its batting‑friendly character for another two days, potentially favouring a high‑scoring innings from West Indies. If they can post a respectable total, India may be forced to declare earlier, adding a strategic twist to the final days.
Key Takeaways and Future Outlook
India’s Day 2 display was a masterclass in balance – a mix of patience, aggression, and depth. The triple‑century party not only secured a huge lead but also sent a clear message to the opposition: the home side is in full command.
Looking ahead, Day 3 will likely see India either extending the lead or declaring to give their bowlers enough time to bowl out the West Indies twice. For the visitors, the primary task is survival – a resilient partnership could shift the momentum, but the odds are steep.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this huge lead affect West Indies' chances of winning the series?
A 286‑run advantage puts West Indies under immense pressure. They must score well in their second innings to avoid an innings defeat, and any collapse could hand India a quick victory. The lead also gives India flexibility to declare and attack with fresh bowlers, making a comeback increasingly unlikely.
Who were the centurions for India on Day 2?
The three batters were KL Rahul (100*), debut‑centurion Dhruv Jurel (104), and all‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja (104*). Their contributions pushed India to 448/5.
What was the exact lead after India’s innings?
India posted 448/5, while West Indies were all out for 162 in their first innings, giving India a 286‑run lead heading into Day 3.
What did analysts say about Jadeja’s role in the team?
Experts, including former commentator Harsha Bhogle, noted that Jadeja has evolved into a genuine finisher. His aggressive stroke‑play against spin, highlighted by five sixes off Jomel Warrican, forces opponents to adjust their strategies and adds a powerful lower‑order punch.
When is Day 3 scheduled and what are the expectations?
Day 3 will commence on 4 October 2025. If India continues the aggressive tempo, they may bat deep into the day to stretch the lead beyond 300 runs before declaring. Conversely, a early declaration could give them enough time to take ten wickets and clinch the match outright.