India’s young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal once again proved his class as he dominated the opening day of the second Test against West Indies with an unbeaten 173, guiding India to a strong 318-2 at stumps in New Delhi on Friday. His outstanding innings, filled with elegance and composure, has put the hosts in full control as they look to sweep the two-match series.
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After electing to bat at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, India made their intent clear from the start. Openers KL Rahul and Jaiswal gave the team a positive beginning, adding 58 runs for the first wicket. Rahul played a brisk 38, attacking the West Indian bowlers confidently before falling stumped off spinner Jomel Warrican. Despite the early breakthrough, the visitors struggled to contain the Indian batting lineup.
The day belonged entirely to Jaiswal, who combined solid technique with fearless stroke play. Partnering with Sai Sudharsan, he built a 193-run second-wicket stand that kept India cruising throughout the day. Sudharsan, showing fine form at number three, scored a patient 87 before being trapped leg-before by Warrican. His knock was crucial in setting the stage for India’s dominance.
Jaiswal, who missed out in the first Test with just 36 runs, was determined to make amends. His innings featured 22 boundaries, mixing graceful drives with firm control over the spinners. The left-hander reached his century in style, marking it with a heart gesture and a wave to the home crowd. This was his seventh Test hundred and his fifth score above 150 — a sign of his growing maturity as a Test batsman.
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised Jaiswal’s approach, saying, “The determination he showed was important. He felt he missed out in the last game, but today his shot selection and temperament were spot on.”
By the end of the day, Jaiswal was unbeaten on 173, alongside skipper Shubman Gill, who played a calm supporting role with 20 not out. The duo added 67 runs for the third wicket, frustrating a tiring West Indian attack.
For the visitors, it was a long, difficult day in the field. Assistant coach Floyd Reifer admitted, “It was a tough day in the office. Jaiswal batted beautifully, and our bowlers need to stay disciplined for long spells if we want to make an impact.”
India’s innings was filled with moments of brilliance — from Rahul’s aggressive start to Sudharsan’s fluent strokes and Jaiswal’s mastery across the field. His precise placement and ability to rotate strike made it nearly impossible for the bowlers to settle.
As India look ahead to Day 2, all eyes will be on Jaiswal, who stands on the brink of a double century. His unbeaten 173 has not only given India a massive first-day advantage but also set the tone for another dominant performance. With the pitch expected to offer more help to spinners in the coming days, the West Indies bowlers face an uphill battle to stop India from posting a massive first-innings total.
India, unchanged from their first Test victory, appear poised for another commanding win as they continue to showcase the depth and strength of their young batting lineup.
