Delhi’s intense heat overwhelmed Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, causing him to collapse from exhaustion during the second Test against the West Indies. After a demanding spell, he received immediate medical attention. Despite the challenging conditions and the West Indies’ strong batting performance, India is poised for a series victory.
The scorching Delhi heat proved too much for Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, who dramatically collapsed from exhaustion during the second session on Day 4 of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday. The alarming moment came after Siraj completed a grueling six-over spell post-lunch, pushing his physical limits under the punishing afternoon sun.
Looking visibly drained, Siraj staggered into the Indian dugout and slumped onto a chair, prompting immediate medical attention from the team’s support staff. An ice pack was quickly placed on his head and face to lower his body temperature, while the physiotherapist massaged his feet to relax his muscles. The moment drew attention from all watching, though former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik lightened the mood, calling it “king-like treatment” on air.
Karthik remarked, “What we see right now is the fast bowlers being treated like kings after a hard spell. It’s the same case everywhere, by the way. I just need to let viewers know that it’s not just on the ground, off the field, but also in the com box. We’ve got to be careful when you do that with Bish (Ian Bishop, who was also present in the commentary box), though. The ice (needs to be placed) straight on the head to calm him down at times. For Bish and for Siraj.”
The incident highlighted the brutal playing conditions as temperatures soared and India’s bowlers were made to toil.
Earlier in the day, the West Indies resumed on 173/2 with overnight batters John Campbell and Shai Hope showing great resolve. Campbell converted his 87 into a maiden Test century, becoming the first West Indies opener to reach three figures since March 2023, while Hope followed with a ton of his own. The pair shared a commanding 177-run partnership before Ravindra Jadeja broke the stand.
The visitors continued their fightback with captain Roston Chase contributing 40 runs and Justin Greaves completing his half-century to set India a target of 121 to complete the series sweep.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah took three wickets each to bowl out the Windies’ second innings for 390.
West Indies had started Day 4 with a mountain to climb, forced to follow on after India declared at 518/5 and bowled them out for 248 in the first innings, securing a 270-run lead. Yet the visitors showed grit, and as their lead grew, so did the toll on India’s bowlers—none more visibly than on Siraj.