India Dominate Day 1 vs Windies in 2nd test- Jaiswal’s Majestic 173 Puts Hosts Firmly in Control

 

After crushing West Indies in just two and a half days in the first Test, India seem poised to repeat the script in Delhi. While cricket remains the game of glorious uncertainties, the opening day of the second Test suggests another short contest could be on the cards. By stumps on Day 1, India had amassed a commanding 318 for 2, completely dictating terms against a weary West Indian bowling attack.

Making his debut as Test captain on home soil, Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bat first — a decision that quickly paid off. The Indian openers began cautiously, with Yashasvi Jaiswal taking his time to settle on a slightly sluggish surface, while K.L. Rahul played with controlled aggression. Rahul looked in fine touch before falling to Jomel Warrican for 38 off 54 balls, leaving India at 58. At lunch, India stood steady at 94 for 1.

Post-lunch, Jaiswal shed his early caution and began to unfurl a delightful range of strokes. Partnering him was Sai Sudharsan, who had much to prove after a lukewarm outing in England. Backed firmly by the team management and skipper Gill, Sudharsan repaid that faith with a confident innings that hinted at a big score — until a superb delivery from Warrican ended his stay.

Jaiswal, meanwhile, was in sublime touch. He reached his fifty off 82 balls, then shifted gears effortlessly. With elegant drives and audacious lofted shots, he raced from fifty to a hundred in just 63 deliveries. This was his seventh Test century, and one that reflected his growing maturity as a batsman. Notably, his first century had also come against the West Indies during the 2023 away series — a knock that had signaled his arrival on the international stage.

By the close of play, Jaiswal remained unbeaten on a majestic 173, having faced 224 balls, while skipper Gill was solid on 20 not out. India, at 318 for 2, are once again firmly in the driver’s seat. Unless the visitors conjure something extraordinary on Day 2, a massive total — and perhaps another short Test — seems inevitable.