2nd Test: Jaiswal’s 173 help India dominate Day 1

India asserted its dominance on the opening day of the second and final Test against West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, posting a commanding 318/2 in 90 overs. The day belonged to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who remained unbeaten on 173, and B Sai Sudharsan, who contributed a solid 87, helping India seize control from the outset.
The match began with Shubman Gill winning his first toss as India’s Test captain and opting to bat on a slow surface under clear skies, with 11,000 spectators in attendance. The decision paid off as India’s top order delivered a composed and aggressive performance.
Jaiswal and KL Rahul laid the foundation with a steady 58-run opening stand. Rahul impressed early with elegant strokes, including consecutive boundaries off Jaydon Seales and a lofted six off Khary Pierre. However, his innings ended at 38 when he was stumped by Jomel Warrican, who extracted sharp turn to beat Rahul’s charge down the pitch. Jaiswal then partnered with Sudharsan for a massive 193-run stand that defined the day. Sudharsan, under scrutiny for his place in the side, responded with a composed knock, reaching his second Test fifty off 87 balls. He showcased a wide range of strokes—flicks, punches, and drives—that kept India’s momentum intact. Jaiswal’s innings was a masterclass in tempo control. He began cautiously, punishing only loose deliveries, and gradually accelerated after lunch. He reached his century with a flick off Pierre, celebrating with flair—helmet off, bat raised, and flying kisses to the crowd. His straight drives and cuts were executed with precision, particularly against Anderson Philip and Roston Chase.
Sudharsan had a reprieve on 58 when Warrican dropped a catch at short mid-wicket off Greaves. He continued to bat fluently until he was trapped lbw by Warrican for 87, missing out on a maiden Test century. The dismissal was confirmed on review, ending a promising innings.
In the final session, Jaiswal remained resolute, reaching his 150 with a flick off the pads on his 224th ball. He continued to find boundaries with ease, including a backfoot cut past third man and a cracking cover drive. Gill, unbeaten on 20, supported him with two slog sweeps off Pierre and a sublime drive wide of mid-off.
West Indies bowled with discipline in patches, maintaining a commendable over rate and conceding no extras throughout the day. However, only Warrican managed to claim wickets, and the rest of the attack struggled to contain India’s top order. The crowd’s chants transitioned from “Kohli, Kohli” to “Jaiswal, Jaiswal” by lunch, reflecting the young opener’s growing stature. His ability to absorb pressure, capitalize on loose deliveries, and adapt to changing conditions highlighted his maturity and skill.
India’s commanding position at stumps sets the stage for further dominance on day two. With Jaiswal well-set and Gill looking solid, the hosts will aim to build a formidable first-innings total and put pressure on the visitors.
The day’s play showcased India’s batting depth and the emergence of young talents like Jaiswal and Sudharsan, who are shaping the future of Indian Test cricket with poise and confidence.
Brief Scores: India 318/2 in 90 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 173 not out, B Sai Sudharsan 87; Jomel Warrican 2-60) against West Indies.