India wasted no time stamping their authority on Day 3 of the opening Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad, delivering a stunning performance initiated by a moment of sheer brilliance from Nitish Reddy.
The 22-year-old all-rounder electrified the morning session with a sensational, full-stretch catch at square leg, dismissing Tagenarine Chanderpaul and leaving both fans and teammates utterly thrilled.
Nitish Reddy (Screengrab)
The pivotal breakthrough occurred in the eighth over of the West Indies’ innings. Mohammed Siraj bowled a short delivery to the left-handed Chanderpaul, who, cramped for room, attempted a pull shot but failed to keep it down. The ball flew awkwardly to the left of square leg, where Reddy launched himself horizontally, securing the ball cleanly with both hands.
This incredible dismissal ended Chanderpaul’s innings at 8 runs off 23 deliveries, leaving West Indies struggling at 21/1. Siraj, maintaining excellent discipline alongside Jasprit Bumrah, effectively utilized the early morning bounce to keep the visitors under pressure.
Earlier, India had declared their innings overnight at an imposing 448/5, establishing a formidable 286-run lead. This commanding total was built on a fluent century from KL Rahul (100), Dhruv Jurel’s maiden ton (125), and an unbeaten 104 from Ravindra Jadeja.
Jurel and Jadeja’s monumental 206-run partnership for the fifth wicket completely wore down the West Indies bowlers, with Khary Pierre eventually claiming his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Jurel.
The West Indies’ batting lineup appeared depleted, further weakened by the absence of injured pacers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph. Without their key strike bowlers, the Caribbean side has struggled to pose any significant threat.
With a substantial lead and their bowlers in top form, India looks set to conclude the match swiftly. Reddy’s spectacular catch only amplified their momentum, underscoring India’s firm grip on this Test.