Indian opener KL Rahul has finally ended his long wait for a Test hundred on home soil, scoring a classy unbeaten hundred on Day 2 of the first Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad on Friday. The opening batter, who last scored 100 in a home Test back in December 2016 against England in Chennai, scored his 11th Test century and only his second in India to break a drought that lasted almost nine years.

The knock had even more significance as it established a new Indian record for the longest gap between two Test hundreds at home. Rahul's gap of 3,211 days broke the previous record held by Ravichandran Ashwin of 2,655 days, which lasted from 2013 to 2021. For Rahul, who has faced inconsistent form and questions about his position in the Test side over the years, this century was more than just a milestone; it was personal redemption and a demonstration of fortitude.

During his innings, Rahul appeared calm and at ease, blending poise with a degree of self-control as he dealt with the West Indies's bowling attack to keep the runs ticking. His steadfastness allowed India to recover from the early systematic breakthroughs that repeatedly threatened to sway the flow of the game's direction. Ultimately, Rahul's composed demeanour at the crease provided the host nation with additional stability as they pressed on their first-innings position.

By lunchtime on Day 2, India were 218 for three, with Rahul not out on 100 and young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel with him on 14. India led by 56 runs at that stage, and it set up the middle order to drive things on even further in the afternoon session against the visitors, who were already behind the eight-ball by that stage of the match.

For Rahul, this century will be a memorable one. For not only the runs, but more so for the resilience it represents - an innings that arrived almost ten years apart, that showed his ability to deliver in the moments that mattered most when India needed it.