The second Test match between India and West Indies began with an impressive start for Team India as Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his rich vein of form, scoring a confident half-century on Day 1 in Delhi. The young opener once again showcased his maturity and technique, guiding India past the 100-run mark before lunch and putting the hosts in a strong position early on.

Solid Opening Partnership

India’s opening pair, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, walked in with confidence after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium offered some early movement for the West Indian pacers, but both batters were cautious and focused. Jaiswal, in particular, looked fluent right from the start, playing some exquisite drives and flicks.

Rohit provided steady support from the other end, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Their 50-run opening stand laid a solid foundation before Rohit fell to a sharp delivery from Kemar Roach, edging one to the slips after a patient 35.

Jaiswal’s Commanding Form

At just 23, Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to look like India’s next big thing in Test cricket. After his brilliant performances earlier in the series, he maintained the same rhythm — calm under pressure and confident with every stroke. His innings was a perfect blend of aggression and discipline.

Jaiswal’s half-century came off 78 balls, featuring crisp boundaries and intelligent running between the wickets. His cover drives and backfoot punches drew applause from the crowd, and he looked set for another big knock before lunch.

What stood out was his ability to handle spin and pace equally well, never letting the bowlers settle. His partnerships with Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma showed India’s intent to dominate early on.

Pitch Report and Conditions

The Delhi pitch offered a bit of early swing for the fast bowlers but was generally favorable for batting. The surface was dry and expected to assist spinners as the game progresses. With bright sunshine and minimal grass, batting was expected to become easier as the day wore on.

Experts predicted that any total above 350 would put the team batting first in a strong position. India’s focus seemed clear — build a big first-innings score and put the West Indies under pressure.

West Indies Bowling Effort

The West Indian bowlers had moments of brilliance but lacked consistency. Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph bowled some fiery spells with the new ball, testing both openers with sharp bouncers and swing. Roach’s early breakthrough gave the visitors some hope, but they struggled to maintain pressure after that.

Their spinners, Gudakesh Motie and Rahkeem Cornwall, tried to exploit the slight turn available but couldn’t find much success against the Indian batters. The fielding too was a bit sloppy, with a couple of missed chances that added to their frustration.

India’s Batting Strategy

India’s approach was clearly measured. With the World Test Championship points at stake, they aimed for a solid foundation rather than flashy batting. Shubman Gill, batting at No. 3, played patiently to support Jaiswal, while Virat Kohli was seen gearing up for his turn at the crease.

The team management has been backing young openers like Jaiswal and Gill to take on more responsibility, and the results so far have been promising. Coach Rahul Dravid’s emphasis on developing strong Test openers seems to be paying off.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Journey

Jaiswal’s rise in international cricket has been nothing short of inspirational. From selling pani puri outside stadiums to scoring centuries for India, his journey represents grit, hard work, and determination. His fearless attitude, especially against quality bowling attacks, has made him a fan favorite.

After his stunning debut series against the West Indies earlier this year, Jaiswal has been consistent across formats. His ability to adapt to different conditions — whether it’s spinning tracks in Asia or bouncy pitches abroad — makes him a key asset for India’s future.

Session Summary

At lunch on Day 1, India stood at 103 for 1, with Yashasvi Jaiswal unbeaten on 55 runs, and Shubman Gill steady at the other end. The hosts dominated the first session, losing only one wicket and scoring at a healthy rate of nearly four runs per over.

The post-lunch session was expected to bring more challenges as the ball got older and the West Indies turned to spin. However, with Kohli and Gill waiting in the wings, India looked well set to post a big total.

Fans Celebrate Jaiswal’s Knock

Social media buzzed with appreciation for Jaiswal’s classy innings. Fans praised his composure and ability to anchor the innings like a seasoned player. Many drew comparisons to young Virat Kohli for his fearless attitude and clean stroke play.

Cricket enthusiasts also lauded India’s decision to give more chances to youngsters instead of rotating senior players, emphasizing how this new generation brings fresh energy to the team.

What Lies Ahead

As the match progresses, the focus will shift to how India’s middle order — featuring Kohli, Iyer, and Jadeja — builds on the platform set by the openers. If they capitalize on this start, India could easily reach 350–400 by Day 2.

For West Indies, quick wickets in the middle session are crucial to prevent India from taking full control. Their bowlers need to tighten their lines and extract any possible help from the pitch.