2nd Test: India need 58 runs on day 5 to win series

India stands just 58 runs away from sealing a 2-0 series victory over West Indies in the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. What began as a seemingly straightforward path to victory turned into a test of endurance and patience, as India fielded for 200 overs since midway through day two before closing day four at 63/1 in pursuit of a modest target of 121.
The hosts lost opener Yashasvi Jaiswal early in the chase, but the unbeaten duo of B Sai Sudharsan (30) and KL Rahul (25) ensured stability heading into the final day. Their composed batting helped India recover from the initial setback and maintain control of the match.
West Indies’ second innings, which resumed 50 minutes after lunch on day three, saw early trouble with Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze falling cheaply. However, the third-wicket partnership between John Campbell and Shai Hope turned the tide. Their 177-run stand was the backbone of West Indies’ resistance, pushing the match into day five and showcasing a rare display of grit in recent red-ball outings.
Campbell reached his maiden Test century in his 50th innings with a powerful slog-sweep off Ravindra Jadeja, while Hope ended an eight-year wait for a hundred with a composed 103.
India’s bowlers, dominant in the first innings, were made to work hard under the sun. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav claimed three wickets each as West Indies collapsed from 293/4 to 311/9. Yet, the final wicket pair of Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales frustrated the hosts by batting out 25.2 overs and adding 79 runs—West Indies’ second-best partnership of the year.
Greaves remained unbeaten on 50, while Seales contributed a valuable 32. Their stand delayed India’s march to victory and highlighted the fighting spirit of the visitors.
On a slow pitch offering occasional turn, Rahul and Sudharsan negotiated the final session with poise. Sudharsan impressed with wristy flicks and drives, while Rahul broke his shell with a confident boundary off Khary Pierre. Their partnership ensured no further hiccups as India closed in on the target.
Earlier on day four, Campbell and Hope resumed from 97 runs behind and looked untroubled despite Bumrah’s reverse swing and Jadeja’s probing deliveries. Campbell’s century celebration was marked by helmet removal and applause from the dressing room. He was eventually dismissed for 115 by Jadeja, while Hope continued to anchor the innings.
Hope’s century came via an outside edge off Siraj, and Roston Chase’s single soon after gave West Indies a slender lead. Siraj then dismissed Hope, and Kuldeep struck twice to remove Chase and Khary Pierre. Bumrah cleaned up the tail with wickets of Jomel Warrican and Anderson Philip.
Despite the breakthroughs, Greaves and Seales extended the innings, forcing India to bowl an extra 30 minutes. Greaves lofted Sundar for a boundary to end the session, and eventually Seales was dismissed by Bumrah, ending the stubborn stand.
India’s chase began with Jaiswal scoring briskly before falling to Warrican. Sudharsan and Rahul then took charge, finding boundaries and rotating strike effectively.
Brief Scores: India 518/5 dec and 63/1 in 18 overs (B Sai Sudharsan 30 not out, KL Rahul 25 not out; Jomel Warrican 1-15) trail West Indies 248 and 390 in 118.5 overs (John Campbell 115, Shai Hope 103; Jasprit Bumrah 3-44, Kuldeep Yadav 3-104) by 58 runs