India opener KL Rahul marked his return to form with a heartfelt gesture after scoring his first Test century at home in nine years on Day 2 of the opening Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad.
The right-hander, who reached his 11th Test ton with 12 boundaries, blew a whistle to celebrate, later revealing that he dedicated the innings to his daughter. “It was for my daughter,” Rahul said in the post-day interview.
Rahul and Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty, who tied the knot in 2023, welcomed their daughter in March 2025.
Rahul’s 100 off 197 balls featured key stands of 68 runs with Yashasvi Jaiswal and 98 with skipper Shubman Gill, helping India build momentum. His knock set the tone for the middle order to dominate.
At stumps on Day 2, India reached 448/5, powered by Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 125 and Ravindra Jadeja’s 104 not out, extending their lead to 286 after bowling out West Indies for 162 in the first innings.
