Just days before their crucial second Test against the West Indies at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, Team India unwound at a special dinner hosted by head coach Gautam Gambhir. The casual Wednesday evening gathering at Gambhir’s New Delhi residence provided a welcome break for the squad, who arrived together by bus.
The players and support staff opted for relaxed attire, with many sporting crisp white outfits. Notably, India skipper Shubman Gill caught attention with his distinct look, combining a white t-shirt, blue jeans, and stylish black glasses. Other prominent figures present included Jasprit Bumrah, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Prasidh Krishna, alongside assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla.
This informal get-together perfectly followed India’s commanding innings and 140-run victory in Ahmedabad, where they established a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja was instrumental in that win, delivering an exceptional all-round performance.
The foundation for India’s dominance was laid by their potent pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj exploited the green-tinged surface in Ahmedabad, dismissing the West Indies for just 162 runs in their first innings. Their effective use of bounce and movement on the red-soil pitch proved decisive.
India’s batting line-up then asserted its authority with significant contributions. KL Rahul scored a magnificent 100, Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 104, and Dhruv Jurel added a brilliant 125, propelling India to a formidable 448/5 before a declaration. The West Indies struggled once more in their second innings, collapsing for 146, sealing a comprehensive victory for India.
As the series moves to Delhi, expectations are high for a pitch that will initially favor batsmen due to its black soil and patches of grass. However, as the match progresses, spinners are anticipated to play a crucial role. The Arun Jaitley Stadium previously hosted a Test in 2023, where India convincingly defeated Australia by six wickets within three days, a performance they aim to replicate against the West Indies this week.