Indian captain Shubman Gill delivered a moment of sheer brilliance on Day 3 of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, taking a stunning diving catch that electrified his team. This spectacular fielding effort significantly boosted India’s momentum in the crucial match.
Stationed at mid-wicket, Gill displayed incredible athleticism, sprinting towards mid-on before launching into a full-length dive to his right. His outstretched hand expertly secured a mis-hit pull shot from Tagenarine Chanderpaul, bowled by Mohammed Siraj. Chanderpaul, struggling for space against a short delivery, sent the ball skyward, but Gill’s lightning-fast reflexes and keen judgment transformed it into a spectacular dismissal. This incredible effort provided India with their crucial first breakthrough after enforcing the follow-on, perfectly encapsulating the team’s fierce intensity on the field.
Forced to bat again with a daunting 270-run deficit, the West Indies limped into tea at a precarious 35 for 2. John Campbell remained at the crease on 18 not out, while Alick Athanaze was dismissed by Washington Sundar for seven just before the break. At this stage, the visitors still required another 235 runs to avoid an innings defeat.
Earlier in the day, Kuldeep Yadav showcased his masterful spin, systematically dismantling the West Indies in their first innings. The left-arm wrist-spinner recorded a brilliant 5 for 82, marking his fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket and wrapping up the visitors’ innings for 248. Resuming at 140 for 4, the West Indies’ middle order quickly collapsed during the morning session. Kuldeep was relentless, dismissing key batsmen Shai Hope (36), Tevin Imlach (21), and Justin Greaves (17) in rapid succession.
Mohammed Siraj further compounded their troubles by bowling Jomel Warrican for a single run. However, a resilient 46-run partnership between Khary Pierre (23) and Anderson Phillip (24 not out) provided a brief glimmer of hope. Following the lunch break, Jasprit Bumrah broke the budding partnership by dispatching Pierre. Kuldeep then sealed the first innings, trapping Jayden Seales lbw for 13, securing a formidable 270-run first-innings lead for India.
With this commanding performance, India is now firmly in control and appears destined for a series-clinching victory, having already won the first Test in Ahmedabad by an innings and 140 runs.