Rahul Hits Unbeaten 53 to guide India to 121/2 in 38 overs, just 41 runs behind West Indies at stumps on Day One of the first Test at Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, Mohammed Siraj bowled an incisive spell of 4-40 to help India dismiss West Indies for a modest 162 in 44.1 overs. In reply, Rahul, in his usual calm and composed avatar, anchored the innings with precision to reach his 20th Test half-century with trademark elegance.
Among the six boundaries he struck, his late drives and cuts timed perfectly, showcasing his control and clarity in strokeplay. Partnering with Shubman Gill, who looked assured at the crease after a prolific England tour and remained 18 not out, Rahul ensured India ended the day in a strong position.
Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal batted cautiously to take India to 23/0 in 12.4 overs before rain briefly halted play. After the break, Jaiswal flicked a switch, finding gaps with ease through his cuts and drives, while also using the sweep shot. Their partnership crossed the fifty-run mark, marking the fifth time in 22 innings that the opening pair put on a half-century stand.
However, attempting another boundary with a cut, Jaiswal edged behind to Shai Hope off Jayden Seales for 36 on a ball that wasn’t short enough for the shot. B. Sai Sudharsan, playing a Test in India for the first time, endured a nervy stay before Roston Chase trapped him lbw for seven when he tried to pull a ball that was too full.
India appears committed to backing Sudharsan through the series, though scrutiny may intensify if his low scores continue. Rahul remained the anchor, briefly requiring physio attention after clutching his right hamstring while executing a sharp cut shot off Chase.
Despite the discomfort, Rahul resumed batting and brought up his fifty with an easy single. With the pitch drying out and looking ideal for batting, and with eight wickets in hand, India will aim to build a substantial first-innings lead on Friday through Rahul and Gill.
Brief scores:
West Indies 162 in 44.1 overs (Justin Greaves 32, Shai Hope 26; Mohammed Siraj 4-40, Jasprit Bumrah 3-42) lead India 121/2 in 38 overs (KL Rahul 53 not out, Yashasvi Jaiswal 36; Roston Chase 1-16, Jayden Seales 1-21) by 41 runs.
–IANS
