In a spectacular display of batting, young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal stood defiant with an unbeaten 173 runs, propelling India to a formidable total of 318 for 2 at stumps on the opening day of the second Test against West Indies. The match, held at Delhi’s iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium, saw India assert early dominance.
Having already secured victory in the first Test, India confidently chose to bat first, eager to complete a clean sweep in the two-match series.
Jaiswal was the undisputed star of the day, forming a magnificent 193-run partnership for the second wicket with Sai Sudharsan, who played a solid supporting role with 87 runs.
As the day concluded, Jaiswal remained at the crease, partnered by captain Shubman Gill, who contributed 20 runs. The only wicket to fall in the evening session was that of Sudharsan.
At just 23, Jaiswal reached his seventh Test century in his 26th match, showcasing the exceptional talent he first revealed with a debut score of 171 against the very same West Indies team in 2023.
Upon reaching his significant milestone, Jaiswal warmly acknowledged the cheering crowd with a heartfelt gesture and blew kisses, soaking in the moment of triumph.
His attacking style was clear from the outset, particularly when he smashed three boundaries off Jayden Seales in the first over after lunch to swiftly bring up his half-century.
Sudharsan also notched up his fifty with a boundary against Khary Pierre. He had a moment of luck, surviving a dropped catch on 58 by Jomel Warrican, but was eventually trapped lbw by the same bowler.
Jaiswal and Gill then forged an unbroken 67-run partnership, steadily increasing the pressure on the West Indies bowlers.
The day had started brightly with a strong 58-run opening stand between KL Rahul and Jaiswal.
Rahul contributed a brisk 38 before being stumped by wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach off Warrican’s delivery.
His innings featured consecutive boundaries against Seales, including an elegant cover drive and a powerful mid-on shot, setting a positive tone early in the match.
Jaiswal’s exquisite straight drive off Anderson Phillip after the first drinks break further electrified the enthusiastic home crowd.
Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, introduced in the 15th over, bowled with good line and length, attempting to stem the flow of runs.
Rahul struck the first six of the match, lofting Pierre over long-on, but his aggression ultimately led to his downfall as he was dismissed attempting another big shot.
India went into the match with the same winning combination that delivered an innings victory in the first Test.
Meanwhile, the West Indies, led by Roston Chase, are desperately trying to avoid another Test series whitewash, especially after their recent 3-0 defeat to Australia on home soil.