New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where the morning sun bakes the pitch and the afternoon breeze carries the hum of anticipation, India’s batting showcase on Day 1 of the second Test against the West Indies was nothing short of a masterclass.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (173 not out) and B Sai Sudharsan (87) combined patience, precision, and timing to shepherd India to 318 for 2 in 90 overs, leaving the visitors searching for answers and fans in rapt attention.
From the outset, Jaiswal displayed the temperament of a batsman who has matured beyond his years. His seventh Test century came with all the hallmarks of a craftsman at work: the early session tempered with tight defense, the gentle nudges for singles, the calculated expansion of strokeplay as the innings progressed.
When he reached his fifty with three crisply timed fours off Jayden Seales, the confidence was evident. By the time he raised his bat for 150, the innings had evolved into a symphony: drives through cover, precise cuts off Anderson Phillip, and deft placement past the fielders. Each boundary was measured, each run a statement.
Beside him, Sai Sudharsan provided the perfect foil. The Tamil Nadu left-hander approached the crease with elegance and calm. His innings was defined by intelligent strike rotation, selective aggression, and the occasional flourish—a crisp on-drive off Roston Chase, deft flicks through midwicket, and an ability to read the spin with unflinching composure.
His dismissal for 87 LBW off Jomel Warrican, narrowly missing a maiden Test century, was a moment of heartbreak but also underscored the difficulty of the wicket and the quality of West Indies’ bowling.
Shubman Gill, at the other end, offered stability with occasional flourish, contributing quick runs and finding the boundary when needed. Earlier, KL Rahul had laid the foundation with a patient 38, allowing the left-handers to dictate terms thereafter.
The innings was peppered with moments that would make any commentator smile. Jaiswal’s drive through extra cover off Seales in the 87th over, his back-cut past extra cover, the uppish drive off Phillip—all of it radiated timing, precision, and intent.
Sudharsan’s elegant cover drives and on-drives punctuated the innings with grace. Each run, each shot was not merely about accumulating numbers—it was cricket played with intelligence and intent.
The Indian batsmen’s command extended to handling the new ball at 82.1 overs. Even as the West Indies tested with swing and pace, India’s partnership remained unbroken. The pair punished any loose deliveries while leaving the good ones alone, showcasing a blend of technique and temperament. Review systems were actively used, with Sudharsan succumbing to an LBW review and Jaiswal surviving a bowling review earlier, reflecting the high stakes and fine margins.
By the close of Day 1, India had not only posted a formidable total but had also made a statement. The confidence of Jaiswal, the poise of Sudharsan, and the support of Gill illustrated a team that is nurturing the next generation while maintaining the standards of Test cricket excellence.
The visitors are left with work to do, and the home fans leaves the stadium knowing they’ve witnessed an innings of artistry and composure.
Scorecard highlights: India 318/2 (90 overs) – Yashasvi Jaiswal 173 not out, B Sai Sudharsan 87, KL Rahul 38
