Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan led India to a strong position on the opening day of the Delhi Test against West Indies. The India vs West Indies Test highlights a day dominated by precision, patience, and youthful brilliance as India finished on 318 for 2. Jaiswal’s unbeaten 173 and Sudharsan’s composed 87 defined the tone of the match, putting the visitors under pressure on a slow Feroz Shah Kotla pitch.
Jaiswal’s Masterclass on a Testing Surface
After captain Shubman Gill finally won his first toss in seven attempts, India chose to bat. The decision paid off handsomely as Jaiswal showcased control and confidence. The left-hander adjusted perfectly to the conditions — cautious early, aggressive in the middle, and composed toward the end.
The West Indies bowlers maintained discipline early on, giving away no extras, but they struggled to threaten the Indian batters. In the first session, Jaiswal absorbed pressure, playing watchfully. By the second session, he shifted gears, capitalizing on loose bowling as India added 126 runs without losing a wicket.
A Record-Breaking Innings
Jaiswal’s 173 not out added another chapter to his growing reputation. It was his seventh Test hundred, placing him level with Graeme Smith for the most centuries by an opener under 24. Among Indian batters, only Sachin Tendulkar scored more before turning 24.
Remarkably, five of Jaiswal’s seven hundreds have crossed the 150-run mark — a feat surpassed only by Don Bradman at that age. His innings was built on smart shot selection rather than risk-taking. He punished half-volleys and short deliveries but respected good-length balls, demonstrating a balance between aggression and restraint.
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Steady Start, Sudharsan Steps Up
Jaiswal lost his opening partner early when KL Rahul was stumped for 38 after misreading a sharply turning delivery from Jomel Warrican. That brought B Sai Sudharsan to the crease — a young batter facing the challenge of proving himself as India’s next dependable No. 3.
Sudharsan joined Jaiswal in a steady 197-run partnership. He began confidently, taking advantage of full tosses and loose deliveries, and played his first false shot only after crossing 50. His control and calm temperament gave India stability. He was eventually dismissed for 87, lbw to Warrican, undone by sharp turn after 165 disciplined balls.
West Indies’ Missed Opportunities
While the West Indies bowlers kept their lines tight initially, their control wavered in the middle session. Jayden Seales started poorly after lunch, serving short and wide deliveries that Jaiswal dispatched with ease. The lack of consistent pressure allowed India’s batters to rotate strike freely and maintain momentum.
Even the spinners, Khary Pierre and Warrican, couldn’t sustain the intensity. Pierre offered easy singles, and the field placements failed to restrict India’s scoring. Only Warrican, with his occasional turn, posed any real threat.
The middle session proved costly for West Indies, with 126 runs flowing off 28 overs. By the final session, although Seales found some reverse swing and bowled a tight spell, support from the other end was lacking.
Jaiswal’s Calculated Brilliance
Jaiswal’s innings was a study in adaptability. Early on, he scored 10 off his first 35 balls, taking time to assess the surface. Once settled, he used soft hands, deft placement, and clever footwork to dominate. He avoided aerial shots for most of the day, relying on timing and placement to accumulate runs.
By lunch, he had accelerated to 40 off 78 balls, and by stumps, his unbeaten 173 came from 253 deliveries. His ability to adjust tempo — from defense to controlled aggression — highlighted his growing maturity as a top-order batter.
Sudharsan’s Silent Statement
Sudharsan’s innings might not have been as flamboyant as Jaiswal’s, but it was equally significant. Coming into the side with a modest first-class average, he faced expectations and scrutiny. His 87 was built on timing, patience, and selective stroke play.
He executed back-foot punches with precision and punished loose deliveries with ease. His eventual dismissal, trapped on the crease by Warrican’s turning ball, was unfortunate, but his contribution solidified India’s dominance.
Gill Joins the Charge
After Sudharsan’s departure, captain Shubman Gill joined Jaiswal. The pair guided India safely to stumps, extending the total to 318 for 2. Gill showed restraint, avoiding unnecessary risks, and played a supporting role as Jaiswal continued to accumulate runs.
Despite a slow pitch and occasional turn, India ended the day firmly in control. The last few overs saw Jaiswal adding a quick 17 runs, ensuring India’s momentum carried into the next day.
West Indies Under Pressure
The India vs West Indies Test now tilts heavily in India’s favor. The visitors’ bowling attack lacked penetration and consistency, especially after the first hour. Their inability to capitalize on early discipline allowed India to dictate terms.
For West Indies to make a comeback, they will need early wickets on the second morning. Otherwise, Jaiswal’s hunger for big scores could take India far beyond reach.
As the Delhi crowd applauded Jaiswal’s brilliance and Sudharsan’s composure, India’s young batting core once again proved its promise. If the trend continues, this Test may well become another milestone in India’s home dominance — built on patience, precision, and the confident touch of youth.
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