India vs West Indies 2nd Test has reached a pivotal juncture on Day 3 at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. With India declaring at a mammoth 518/5 and West Indies trailing by 378 runs with just six wickets in hand, the hosts are hunting for early breakthroughs to seal the match early in the series decider .
Table of Contents
- India Dominates with the Bat
- West Indies’ Fightback Hinges on Hope
- Jadeja Spins the Plot on Day 3
- What to Expect Next?
- Sources
India Dominates with the Bat
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, India posted a commanding total of 518 for 5 declared. The innings was built on a foundation of consistent partnerships and fearless strokeplay. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal blazed his way to 175, while Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 129, showcasing maturity beyond his years .
Supporting acts came from Sai Sudharsan (87), Dhruv Jurel (44), and Nitish Reddy (43), ensuring India maintained pressure throughout their innings. Off-spinner Kevin Sinclair was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with 3 wickets, but the visitors struggled to contain the Indian batters on a flat Delhi track .
West Indies’ Fightback Hinges on Hope
Chasing a massive deficit, West Indies’ top order crumbled under disciplined Indian bowling. However, captain Shai Hope stood firm, fighting a lone battle to keep his side afloat. His resilience has been the only silver lining for the Caribbean side so far .
With the scoreboard reading 140/4 at stumps on Day 2, West Indies still trail by 378 runs. The onus is now on the middle order—Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, and Jason Holder—to support Hope and avoid a follow-on.
Jadeja Spins the Plot on Day 3
As India eyes an early finish, all eyes will be on Ravindra Jadeja. The left-arm spinner, who has been in sublime form with both bat and ball, is expected to exploit the wearing pitch on Day 3. His ability to extract sharp turn and bounce could dismantle the fragile West Indies batting lineup .
Jadeja’s partnership with Axar Patel and the ever-reliable Mohammed Siraj will be crucial in breaking key partnerships early in the day’s play.
What to Expect Next?
If India manages to bundle out West Indies cheaply in the first innings, they could enforce the follow-on and aim for a comprehensive victory before the weekend. A win here would not only give India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series but also strengthen their position in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
For West Indies, survival is the immediate goal. But with a depleted bowling attack and inconsistent batting, their chances of a comeback look slim unless Hope and one other batter deliver a marathon stand.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Team | Score | Top Performer | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 518/5 (Declared) | Yashasvi Jaiswal (175) | Innings Complete |
| West Indies | 140/4 | Shai Hope (Batting) | Trails by 378 runs |