Day one of the second Test between India and West Indies at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium belonged unequivocally to young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. His stellar, unbeaten knock of 173 powered India to a formidable 318/2 by stumps. Jaiswal forged a magnificent 193-run partnership for the second wicket with Sai Sudharsan, who contributed a well-made 87. Following Sudharsan’s dismissal, captain Shubman Gill joined Jaiswal, adding a crucial 67 runs to further solidify India’s commanding position.
Bouncing back from a modest 36 in the first Test, Jaiswal showcased a blend of careful defense and aggressive strokeplay, hitting 22 boundaries from 253 deliveries. His innings was a pure delight for the home crowd, featuring exquisite drives and swift singles. This performance marked his seventh Test century and an impressive fifth score of 150 or more. He displayed remarkable resilience against a West Indies bowling unit that, despite its efforts, struggled to contain him. Notably, Sudharsan also benefited from a dropped catch when he was on 58.
Earlier in the day, KL Rahul provided a solid start alongside Jaiswal, contributing 38 runs in an opening partnership of 58 before being stumped. The West Indies bowlers, under the leadership of Roston Chase, found it incredibly challenging to break through India’s top order. Jaiswal’s relentless scoring further demoralized the visiting side. West Indies assistant coach Floyd Reifer candidly acknowledged the difficulty of the day for his team, commending Jaiswal’s exceptional play and the daunting task ahead for his bowlers to find consistent line and length.
With an unchanged squad from their dominant innings victory in the first Test, India appears poised for another commanding performance. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised Jaiswal’s unwavering determination and astute shot selection, underscoring the 23-year-old’s increasing maturity. India is now perfectly positioned to build on their advantage as the series progresses.
Rahul’s Promising Start Cut Short
KL Rahul, opening the innings alongside Jaiswal, was arguably the only Indian batter to walk back to the pavilion with a touch of disappointment. After a fluent knock of 38, a sharply turning delivery from Warrican found his outside edge, bringing his innings to an untimely end.
Despite his early departure, Rahul had successfully established a strong 58-run opening stand, which perfectly set the stage for Jaiswal and Sudharsan to build upon.
As Day Two approaches, India remains firmly in control, propelled by the assertive performances of its young talents, leaving the West Indies with significant challenges to overcome.
Jaiswal’s Masterclass in Pacing and Placement
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s monumental innings was a textbook display of thoughtful pacing and calculated aggression. His first fifty (82 balls) was cautious, the next fifty (63 balls) showcased controlled aggression, and the final stretch to 150 (79 balls) displayed dominance without taking undue risks.
The crowd was treated to a spectacle of elegant square cuts, precise back cuts, and graceful cover drives, including a standout cover-drive off Seales at close of play.
Sai Sudharsan’s equally impressive strokes, featuring majestic cover and on-drives, perfectly complemented Jaiswal’s performance, turning Day one into a memorable exhibition of top-tier batting against a struggling bowling unit.
West Indies Bowlers Struggle to Maintain Discipline
Following a promisingly disciplined opening hour, the West Indies bowling attack quickly lost its rhythm, serving up an array of loose deliveries that Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan capitalized on mercilessly. Between them, they smashed 43 boundaries, including a crucial six.
Pacers Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillips were particularly guilty of bowling half-volleys and overpitched balls, which were dispatched with authority. Among the spinners, Jomel Warrican was the only bowler who managed to pose a genuine threat, securing the wickets of KL Rahul (38) and Sai Sudharsan.
Khary Pierre and Roston Chase, however, were handled with relative ease. The visitors’ consistent failure to apply sustained pressure allowed India to dictate terms throughout the day, with Jaiswal remaining in absolute command.
Sai Sudharsan’s Composed Support Act
Sai Sudharsan delivered a composed and confident innings of 87, thriving in the shadow of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive play.
The young Tamil Nadu batsman displayed excellent technique and temperament, guiding the ball to the boundary with finesse rather than brute force.
His 193-run second-wicket stand with Jaiswal provided the perfect stage for Sudharsan to showcase his potential, firmly justifying the team management’s confidence in him as a future number three.
Although he narrowly missed a maiden Test century by just 13 runs, his performance effectively quieted any doubts about his readiness for Test cricket and significantly wore down the West Indies bowlers, who struggled with their discipline throughout the day.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: A Day One Spectacle
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s performance on the first day of the second Test against West Indies was nothing short of spectacular. His unbeaten 173 from 253 deliveries was a relentless assault that left the West Indies bowling attack reeling.
Jaiswal’s batting was characterized by precise drives, ferocious cuts, and a solid defense, showcasing a complete package of skills.
He closed the day alongside captain Shubman Gill (20*), having firmly entrenched India in an advantageous position.
With 22 boundaries illuminating his innings, Jaiswal’s blend of aggression and unwavering patience, coupled with impeccable timing, placement, and shot selection, solidified his reputation as one of India’s most exciting young Test prospects.