India established complete dominance on Day 3 of the opening Test, building an imposing lead over the West Indies through a stellar batting display. Centuries from KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Ravindra Jadeja placed the hosts in a commanding position.
Resuming the day with the deficit already erased, KL Rahul ended his century drought on home soil, compiling a patient 100 from 197 balls for his 11th Test hundred. Shubman Gill provided crucial support with an impressive 98 before falling agonizingly short of his own century.
The day’s defining performance was a monumental 206-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja. Jurel reached his maiden Test century in just his sixth match, while Jadeja continued his exceptional form with a score of 104. Their stand came close to breaking the Indian record of 214 for the fifth wicket.
Both batsmen blended control with aggression. Jadeja’s innings included five sixes, taking him past MS Dhoni for the most sixes by an Indian in Test cricket. The milestones were marked by memorable celebrations: Rahul dedicated his century to his infant daughter, Jurel saluted the Indian Army, and Jadeja performed his signature sword celebration.
India ultimately scored 448 for 5 in 128 overs, accumulating a lead of 286 runs. The West Indies bowling attack appeared listless and failed to capitalize on a pitch that offered significant turn and bounce, struggling to create consistent pressure.
With a substantial lead and a deteriorating pitch for their spinners to exploit, India is strongly positioned to press for a decisive result and secure a dominant start to their World Test Championship campaign.
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