In a moment that truly captivated cricket fans, India’s dynamic captain, Shubman Gill, executed a simply astonishing diving catch during the second session on Day 3 of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Stationed at mid-wicket, Gill showcased remarkable athleticism and anticipation. He sprinted backwards towards mid-on, then launched himself full-length to his right, snatching a misjudged pull shot from Tagenarine Chanderpaul off the bowling of Mohammed Siraj. Chanderpaul, cramped for room by Siraj’s short delivery, sent the ball soaring high, but Gill’s incredible effort transformed it into a pivotal dismissal.
(Image: India’s Shubman Gill celebrates after taking a brilliant diving catch to dismiss West Indies’ Tagenarine Chanderpaul on Day 3 of the second Test.)
This brilliant piece of fielding provided India with their crucial first breakthrough after enforcing the follow-on, perfectly encapsulating the team’s fierce intensity and commitment on the field.
The West Indies, reeling from their first innings performance, were forced to bat again, trailing by a massive 270 runs. By the tea interval, they were struggling at 35 for 2. John Campbell remained unbeaten on 18, while Alick Athanaze was bowled for seven by Washington Sundar just before the break. The visitors still faced a daunting task, needing 235 more runs to avoid an innings defeat.
Earlier in the day, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav had completely dismantled the West Indies’ first innings lineup. His masterful display earned him a five-wicket haul for 82 runs, his fifth in Test cricket, as he wrapped up the West Indies innings for a paltry 248.
The West Indies’ middle order had crumbled rapidly in the morning session, starting at 140 for 4. Kuldeep was relentless, quickly removing key batsmen including Shai Hope (36), Tevin Imlach (21), and Justin Greaves (17). Mohammed Siraj further compounded their misery by bowling Jomel Warrican for just one run. A brief resistance came from Khary Pierre (23) and Anderson Phillip (24 not out), who managed a 46-run partnership.
After lunch, Jasprit Bumrah broke the resilient stand by dismissing Pierre, and Kuldeep Yadav then sealed the innings by trapping Jayden Seales lbw for 13, securing India’s commanding lead of 270 runs.
With this dominant performance, India is now firmly in control of the match and on track for a series-clinching victory, having already won the first Test in Ahmedabad by an innings and 140 runs.