Jadeja Shatters Records With Masterful Unbeaten Century

Ravindra Jadeja delivered a masterful unbeaten century on Friday to propel India into a dominant position on Day 2 of the first Test against the West Indies at Narendra Modi Stadium. The 36-year-old all-rounder remained not out on 104 from 168 balls, featuring aggressive strokeplay including five sixes, as India extended their lead to 286 runs by stumps. This knock, his sixth in Test cricket, not only deflated the West Indies bowlers but also underscored Jadeja's evolving role as a reliable middle-order anchor in red-ball cricket.

India resumed at 233 for three, having gained a 162-run first-innings advantage after bundling out the West Indies for 71. Opener KL Rahul set the tonnee by converting his overnight 53 into a composed 100, his 20th Test tonne, before falling to spinner Jomel Warrican shortly after lunch for 102. Rahul's dismissal brought Jadeja to the crease at a precarious 245 for four, with the new ball looming.

Undeterred, Jadeja joined wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel in a record-breaking 206-run fifth-wicket partnership, the highest for India against the West Indies in Tests. Jurel, playing his ninth Test, marked his maiden international century with a fluent 101 before edging Warrican to slip in the final session.

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Jadeja's innings was a blend of calculated aggression and resilience, reaching his milestone with a deft push to point off Warrican, followed by his signature sword-wielding celebration. The left-hander's timing shone through boundaries and towering sixes, breaking MS Dhoni's Indian record for most half-centuries in Tests during the process—now standing at 28. West Indies' attack, led by Warrican (2-102), toiled without breakthroughs for much of the day, conceding just three wickets overall. By close, Washington Sundar was unbeaten on 9, leaving India at 448 for five and firmly in control of the match.

This performance adds to Jadeja's remarkable 2025, where he notched five centuries across formats, including a pivotal role in India's Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year. Coming off a stellar England tour—where he became the first Indian to score 500-plus runs in a series from No. 6 or lower—Jadeja's form signals India's batting depth ahead of the second Test in Kolkata. With a massive lead, captain Rohit Sharma may eye an early declaration Saturday, putting West Indies under immediate pressure in their bid to avoid a series whitewash.

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