During the second Test match between India and West Indies, Indian sensation Sai Sudharsan delivered a moment of pure magic on Saturday. With a breathtaking short-leg catch off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling, he sent West Indies opener John Campbell back to the pavilion, securing a vital early wicket for India. This fielding heroics followed India’s commanding first-innings declaration at 518/5, fueled by magnificent centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill.
As West Indies commenced their chase with John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul at the crease, it was Jadeja who swiftly broke their partnership. Sudharsan’s incredible agility at short-leg ensured Campbell’s dismissal, giving India the early advantage they craved.
The brilliance of the catch was widely celebrated, with a social media post highlighting: “Sai Sudharsan with a stunning catch! After diligent practice sessions with T. Dilip for short-leg catches during the Ahmedabad Test, he truly pulled off an absolute stunner today.”
India’s Dominant First Innings
Earlier in the match, India had opted to bat first after winning the toss, establishing a formidable total. The innings saw KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal open, with Rahul contributing 38 runs before being dismissed by Jomel Warrican.
Following Rahul’s exit, Sai Sudharsan stepped in and built a significant 243-run partnership with Jaiswal, showcasing his own batting prowess before eventually falling to Warrican for a well-made 87 runs.
Jaiswal’s brilliant innings, a masterclass of 175 runs, concluded on the second day due to an unfortunate run-out amidst a miscommunication on the pitch.
Nitish Kumar Reddy added a valuable 49 runs, also falling to Warrican, and Dhruv Jurel contributed 44 runs before being dismissed by West Indies captain Roston Chase.
Shubman Gill remained a steadfast presence, finishing unbeaten with an impressive 129 runs. His century was particularly noteworthy, making him only the second Indian captain, after Virat Kohli, to achieve five centuries in a single calendar year.
For the West Indies, Jomel Warrican was the standout bowler, securing three wickets, while captain Roston Chase took one wicket during India’s extensive 134.2-over innings.
This ongoing match carries considerable weight, as India already holds a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, having triumphed in the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.