Rahul’s 11th Test Century: A Landmark for Team India
KL Rahul, at 33, reached his 11th century in the longest format, clinching a polished 100 not out off 190 balls with 12 boundaries against West Indies. It marked his second hundred against the Caribbean side and provided India with a solid platform as they moved to 213/3 after 65 overs, with Rahul unbeaten on 100 and young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel on 9.
Innings snapshot: patience, discipline, and occasional acceleration
Rahul’s hundred came through a blend of patient defense and selective scoring. He played late, avoided reckless flash, and stepped on the accelerator when scoring opportunities appeared. The 12 fours reflected a mix of crisp drives and well-timed cut shots, enabling him to convert a steadier start into a defining fifty and eventually a three-figure mark. This innings underlined Rahul’s ability to anchor an innings even as the West Indies bowlers tested him with movement and variation.
Turn in momentum: Gill falls, Jurel arrives
Crucial momentum shifted in the 57th over when West Indies captain Roston Chase struck for a breakthrough by removing Shubman Gill at the edge, the ball past the slips as Gill attempted a reverse sweep. The dismissal came at the end of a maiden over, and Gill had already contributed a fifty, reaching the milestone off 94 balls. Dhruv Jurel then walked to the crease, tasked with shepherding the unfolding chase alongside Rahul and helping India maintain the tempo as the session progressed.
India’s position and the road ahead
With Gill back in the pavilion, India still held a modest lead as Rahul continued to bat with measured aggression. By 57 overs, India stood at 188/3, Rahul on 84* and Jurel on 0*, and the match situation demanded careful navigation of the teeth of the Windies’ attack. The 65th over pushed the score to 213/3, placing India 21 runs ahead of the opposition’s total and showcasing Rahul’s ability to steer the innings while Jurel began to find his footing at the crease. The two batters had already stitched a significant stand, having partnered earlier in a 50-run collaboration in 109 balls, signaling a growing understanding between the seasoned Rahul and the young finisher-in-waiting.
Historical note and a nod to Indian captaincy
As Rahul reached the 100-run milestone, cricket enthusiasts recalled a storied moment in Indian cricket: the last Indian captain to score 50+ in a home Test against West Indies was Sunil Gavaskar, who rattled up 205 at Wankhede in 1978. Rahul’s current innings adds his name to the annals of Indian leadership and batting resilience, reinforcing India’s depth and the ability to build innings around a capable anchor when conditions call for patience and precision.
What to watch next
The day’s play pointed to a developing platform for India. Rahul’s century, complemented by Jurel’s innings of steady intent, can help India tilt the balance further in their favor. The plan will be to extend the advantage, convert positioning into a sizable total, and then test the Windies’ batsmen under pressure. West Indies will wish to strike back with continuous bursts, while India will be mindful of preserving wickets and leveraging Rahul’s leadership at the crease as the session resumes.
