Rahul on the cusp of his 11th Test hundred
India moved to 212/3 in 65 overs on Day 2, with KL Rahul closing in on what would be his 11th Test hundred. After a steady start to the session, the Indian opener appeared unfazed by the West Indies’ bowling plan and was within touching distance of a milestone that would mark his first home Test hundred since 2017. Rahul’s form in 2025-27 has been attracting attention, and this big innings would reinforce his role at the top of India’s order as they pressed for a decisive lead in Ahmedabad.
Gill, Rahul partnership and a run-of-play wicket
Rahul was partnered at the crease for a substantial spell by Shubman Gill, who itself had contributed a fluent half-century earlier on Day 2. The pair navigated a disciplined West Indies attack that used round-the-wicket angles and rough patches to trouble the batters. The breakthrough came at 56.6 overs when Roston Chase, bowling full and shaping it away from the off, induced a top-edge from Gill while attempting a reverse sweep. Gill departed for 50 (100 balls), and India slipped to 188/3, still leading by 26 runs. It was a setback in a session India hoped to press on and convert a good position into a commanding one.
Discipline from West Indies and the state of the surface
The day’s play underscored how the West Indies attack has managed to keep India from running away. Pitches showing some signs of reverse swing offered the pacers a hint of assistance, but it required careful judgement from the batsmen. Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales began the day with the ball, challenging on both edges and testing Rahul and Gill with varied lengths. As the surface aged, the spinners also came into play, and India had to be patient, absorbing the pressure while safeguarding their Grade‑A batsmen for the late phase of the innings.
What this means for India and Day 2’s outlook
With Rahul in prime form and Gill providing support, India were able to maintain control of the innings and look to stretch the lead. The captaincy and field setups suggested India were intent on building a robust total, not merely surviving the day. The absence of a large crowd and the scheduling debates surrounding Day 2 fixtures have been talked about, with some observers questioning the tradition of starting matches late in the week and during holiday periods. Nevertheless, the focus on the cricket remained sharp as India sought to capitalise on a stable platform.
Rahul’s milestone and India’s momentum going forward
As play progressed, Rahul moved into the 90s, inching closer to what would be a significant milestone—an 11th Test hundred and a return to the kind of form that has defined his career. In the shadow of the Gill dismissal, Rahul’s resolve and technique underlined his value to India’s batting lineup. If he could convert, India would carry forward a healthy lead into the latter part of Day 2, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the innings and a possible declaration strategy once the weather and pitch permit. The day’s narrative is about patience, precision, and the pursuit of a defining innings that would reinforce Rahul’s standing as a pivotal pillar in India’s Test lineup.
In short
Day 2 of the 1st Test between India and West Indies has featured a careful, methodical Indian innings, with KL Rahul edging closer to his 11th Test hundred and Shubman Gill contributing a valuable fifty before his dismissal. The surface and conditions have dictated a steady, disciplined approach, and India’s lead continues to grow as they eye a strong position heading into the final sessions of the day.
