India declare on a commanding 518/5 before spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav reduce West Indies to 140/4, leaving the visitors trailing by 378 runs in the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
India stamped their dominance on day two of the second Test against West Indies, declaring at a mammoth 518/5 before Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav spun a web around the visitors to leave them struggling at 140/4 by stumps in New Delhi on Friday.
Shai Hope (31*) and Tevin Imlach (14*) held firm to prevent further damage, but West Indies still face a daunting 378-run deficit heading into day three.
Gill Leads India’s Charge
Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 129 – his tenth Test century and fifth as India’s captain – anchored the hosts’ imposing total. His innings, laced with 16 fours and two sixes, showcased a blend of poise and precision. Partnering him early on was Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made a fluent 175 before being run out in bizarre fashion, attempting a single that never existed.
He was batting beautifully, and it was unfortunate to see him get out that way.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, promoted up the order, made a brisk 43 before holing out to long-on, while debutant Dhruv Jurel impressed with 44 as India pressed the accelerator.
Gill reached his century in 177 balls with a cut through cover to loud applause from the 15,000-strong crowd, later switching gears to club Roston Chase for a six and a flurry of boundaries before India declared mid-second session.
Jadeja And Kuldeep Tighten The Screws
With the pitch starting to wear, India’s spinners took charge. Jadeja (3-37) and Kuldeep (1-45) combined to dismantle West Indies’ middle order after a steady start by openers John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul.
Campbell fell in freakish fashion – a paddle sweep rebounding off short-leg B Sai Sudharsan’s helmet and nestling in his hands. Chanderpaul (34) and Alick Athanaze (41) resisted briefly, adding 66 for the second wicket before Jadeja and Kuldeep struck in tandem.
Jadeja got Chanderpaul edging to first slip before Kuldeep lured Athanaze into a mistimed flick to mid-wicket. Jadeja then dismissed captain Roston Chase for a soft return catch, triggering a mini-collapse from 87/1 to 107/4. Hope, showing composure with his fluent drives, and Imlach ensured there were no further losses before close.
It’s about staying patient and building partnerships tomorrow.
Warrican Urges Belief And Discipline
West Indies vice-captain Jomel Warrican, who claimed 3-83 in India’s innings, admitted his side face a steep climb but remained optimistic.
It's going to be very challenging, but I know we have the capable batters and we can do it. The pitch is turning more than day one, so we just have to apply ourselves.
He emphasised the importance of discipline on turning tracks: “In India, Pakistan or Bangladesh, you’ve got to be extremely disciplined. It’s easy to bat on certain days, but as bowlers, we must stay patient and consistent.”
Drawing inspiration from legends like Brian Lara and Sir Viv Richards, Warrican added, “They’ve told us to believe in our ability and stick to our plans. That belief can change our fortunes tomorrow.”
Brief Scores: India 518/5 decl. (Yashasvi Jaiswal 175, Shubman Gill 129*; Jomel Warrican 3-98, Roston Chase 1-83) West Indies 140/4 in 43 overs (Shai Hope 31*, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 34; Ravindra Jadeja 3-37, Kuldeep Yadav 1-45) West Indies trail by 378 runs.
