Day Two Recap: Jadeja’s Masterclass Keeps India in the Driver’s Seat
On day two of the first Test between West Indies and India, India closed the session at 448 for five, having dismissed the hosts for 162. India now hold a commanding lead of 286 runs, setting the stage for a potentially decisive third day. West Indies fought hard to limit the damage, but India’s middle and lower order stepped up in an impressive show of depth and nerve.
Ravindra Jadeja’s 104*: The Anchor of India’s innings
Coming in at number six, the all‑rounder produced a masterful 104 not out off 176 balls, with six fours and five sixes. It was Jadeja’s 10th Test century, and his composed, patient innings anchored India’s innings as others around him contributed in measured, high‑quality strokes. His stay at the crease helped India convert a comfortable position into an imposing one, stretching the advantage as the day wore on.
A Milestone Batting, a Milestone Milestone: Jadeja’s Sixes Record
Beyond the runs, Jadeja added to his growing legend by moving up the all‑time list of Indian players with the most sixes in Test cricket. He overtook the legendary MS Dhoni to sit fourth, a testament to his power-hitting in the longest format. The record shows Jadeja with 79 sixes in 129 innings, while Dhoni sits on 78 sixes in 144 innings. This achievement underlines Jadeja’s evolving role as a versatile all‑rounder who can alter the course of a match with the bat as deftly as with his bowling and fielding.
Other Key Contributions: Rahul’s Century and Jurel’s Big Score
Earlier in the innings, KL Rahul added a polished hundred, finishing on 100 off 197 balls, before falling to a late-innings breakthrough. Dhruv Jurel then anchored the middle order with a blistering 125 off 210 balls, which included three sixes and 15 fours. Sundar, returning to the crease in the later stages, remained unbeaten on nine, ensuring India ended the day with a robust total in view of the second innings.
Records and Numbers at a Glance
- Ravindra Jadeja: 129 innings, 79 sixes (as an Indian) – now fourth on the list for most sixes in Test cricket by an Indian.
- MS Dhoni: 144 innings, 78 sixes – previously in the fourth spot before Jadeja’s rise.
- Rishabh Pant: 82 innings, 90 sixes
- Virender Sehwag: 178 innings, 90 sixes
- Rohit Sharma: 116 innings, 88 sixes
West Indies’ Bowling and India’s Prospects
West Indies’ bowlers shared the wickets with Royston Chase snaring two, and other single‑wicket contributions from the supporting attack. While India’s trio of Rahul, Jurel, and Jadeja dominated with the bat, Sundar’s steady presence at the end ensured India finished the day with a sizable cushion. If India can extend this lead on day three, the visitors could face a tall task to avoid a heavy defeat on this tour.
What This Means for the Series
The day’s events underscored India’s batting depth and Jadeja’s evolution into a formidable Test-cricket asset. With a 286-run advantage, India have put themselves in a strong position to press for a large total in the final innings, while West Indies will be looking for early breakthroughs to keep themselves in the contest. The clash remains firmly in India’s favor, and Jadeja’s milestone adds another layer of narrative to a match that already promises further drama on day three.
