If you observed day three of the first Test between India and the West Indies in Ahmedabad, you likely felt you were experiencing a batting extravaganza. India smashed 448 for 5, including centuries from KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Ravindra Jadeja, all of which placed the West Indies 286 runs in arrears. And there is much for us to examine in this innings that is as interesting as it is commanding.
Rahul Breaks the Home Ground Jinx
KL Rahul’s century was something more than a hundred. It was his home century since 2016. After all the ups and downs of home tests for the past few years, KL Rahul once again reminded us why we want him to be part of India’s batting order, with this truly emotional innings. Technically, it had all the traits of an experienced/mature batter: brilliant judgement; solid judgement with the new ball; and his naming across the course in the double when the moment was right. Perhaps the miss at first slip from the young fella Jayden Seales may have ‘turned’ him into his peg early on, but it didn’t faze KL Rahul as he went from near dismissed fella to the ramp for a hundred.
Jurel’s Emergence Signals a Bright Future
Dhruv Jurel’s first Test century is not only a personal landmark but a glimpse of India’s future. Jurel played maturely beyond his age, with composure showing in both proactive and patient moments of play. In what has become an increasingly popular celebration, Jurel acknowledged his army father in drama that went beyond scoring a hundred in his first Test match; he has now also staked his claim as a potential long-term option for India’s middle order. With a high floor baseline of consistency, he offers the archetype, complementary with armor, like Rishabh Pant, and it makes you think of a scenario where Pant and Jurel become compatible agents of chaos in the XI, flowing each other out.
Jadeja: Spin Slayer and Momentum Shifter
Ravindra Jadeja’s 104 was the cherry on top of India’s batting cake. As the pitch started to break down and the spinners from West Indies looked to use the rough, Jadeja took a fearless approach, particularly against the spin, by totally going for them. It was predominantly a straightforward plan: step down, smash boundaries, and unsettle the bowlers. Out of the eleven boundaries he hit, seven came off of doing this, and he even hit a six to get past the nervous nineties quickly. His approach not only helps him towards runs, but he changed the momentum of the game, relieving pressure on the other batters, and reminding everyone that he is more than just a useful allrounder. He is a match-winner.
India is in total command of the first Test with three centurions in the middle and a lead of 286. There were minor glimmers of resistance from the West Indies in the shape of Warrican, Seales, and Chase. Still, India’s aggressive mindset with the bat has obliterated any hope of a rapid resurgence. The question isn’t whether India can rule over the West Indies as the series progresses, but whether the West Indies can stop this batting barrage. Based on day three, the hosts will have the chance to pen a remarkable story in their home season—and cricket fans will relish every single stroke.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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