India stands on the precipice of a commanding 2-0 series victory against West Indies, needing just 58 runs on the final day of the second Test. The Indian team finished day four at 63 for 1, well on their way to chasing down a target of 121 runs.
The Indian bowling attack showcased remarkable resilience throughout the second innings, toiling for 118.5 overs on a pitch that offered little assistance. Spearheading the charge, Jasprit Bumrah secured 3 wickets for 44 runs, while Kuldeep Yadav also impressed with 3 wickets for 104 runs. Mohammed Siraj contributed with 2 wickets for 43, Ravindra Jadeja added 1 for 102, and Washington Sundar picked up 1 for 80.
West Indies were eventually dismissed for 390, setting India a modest target. KL Rahul (25*) and Sai Sudharsan (30*) ensured a steady start, batting cautiously after the early departure of Yashasvi Jaiswal for 8 runs.
A crucial breakthrough came from Mohammed Siraj with the second new ball, followed by an effective spell from Kuldeep Yadav, who dismantled the West Indies’ lower-middle order in the post-lunch session, shifting momentum firmly in India’s favour.
Earlier, John Campbell and Shai Hope had shown tremendous fight, both scoring centuries (Campbell 115 off 199 balls, Hope 103 off 214 deliveries). Their impressive 177-run partnership for the third wicket highlighted the West Indies’ determination to stay in the match.
Even late in the innings, Jayden Seales (32) and an unbeaten Justin Greaves (50) forged a 79-run stand for the final wicket, pushing the match into a fifth day and ensuring India would have to bat again.
Despite the unresponsive Feroz Shah Kotla pitch, which remained flat even on day four, all Indian bowlers contributed significantly with timely wickets. While some West Indies batsmen were troubled by low bounce, their shot selection was often a key factor in their dismissals.
The match, at times, became so drawn out that broadcast discussions reportedly pivoted to the upcoming ODI series against Australia.
John Campbell celebrated his maiden Test century in his 25th match with a massive six off Ravindra Jadeja. The flat surface initially made handling spin relatively easy for the batsmen. However, Campbell’s innings ended when he was trapped leg-before by an ambitious reverse sweep, a decision confirmed by DRS.
Campbell’s wicket didn’t immediately break West Indies’ stride. Captain Roston Chase added 40 runs, forming a 51-run fourth-wicket partnership with Hope, and for a period, it seemed India might face a challenging fourth-innings chase. However, after the 80th over, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj effectively exploited the new ball, putting pressure on Hope with well-directed short-pitched deliveries, despite the pitch’s general lack of assistance.