Explore Jaiswal’s majestic 173* that propelled India to a dominant performance in Delhi. Relive the thrilling moments of this unforgettable match.
Introduction:
India asserted control on Day 1 of the second Test against West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, riding a marathon unbeaten 173 from Yashasvi Jaiswal and a near-flawless 87 from B Sai Sudharsan to close at 318 for 2. With captain Shubman Gill finally winning the toss after a streak of losses, India’s batters feasted on a tepid West Indies attack and delivered one of the most commanding starts to a home Test this year.
Toss Luck Turns and India Bat Deep
The Test began with a tangible sense of anticipation. For Shubman Gill, it was his seventh attempt as captain—and finally, the coin landed in India’s favor. Choosing to bat, Gill’s decision was vindicated as the surface looked firm and ideal for run-making. It marked a critical moment for India, eager for a first Test series win in four attempts, and provided West Indies a last shot at redemption after a string of humbling defeats.​
KL Rahul partnered Jaiswal at the top and wasted no time, stroking consecutive boundaries and quickly getting to 38 before West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican tricked him into a stumping with a looping delivery. After Rahul’s early verve, it was pure Jaiswal: a head-down marathon, soaking up pressure, and waiting to punish wasteful balls. India’s opening pair put on a solid 58, setting the stage for a relentless batting display.​
See also: Siraj’s Fiery Spell and Rahul’s Steady Fifty Put India on Top
Jaiswal’s Hundred: Patience and Punishment
Jaiswal is fast becoming the standard-bearer of a new generation in Indian Test cricket. On a typical Delhi autumn morning, he began watchfully, waiting for opportunities and refusing risk. West Indies tried multiple bowlers but failed to break his rhythm. He moved gracefully between blocks and flashes, reaching his hundred with a single off Khary Pierre, his second ton against this opposition and seventh overall, before turning 24—a record on par with Graeme Smith.​
Lunch saw India just shy of 100, but after the break, Jaiswal shifted gears. The West Indies attack became ragged; short balls were dispatched, full deliveries driven through cover and midwicket. Jaiswal’s batting was textbook: soft hands, a still head, and sharp footwork. He notched up his fifth Test score of 150-plus before stumps, joining a club that includes Don Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, and Garfield Sobers for most centuries before 24—putting Indian fans in raptures.​
Sai Sudharsan Answers No.3 Question
Replacing a rock at No.3 is never easy in Indian Test cricket, but B Sai Sudharsan answered every question posed. With wristy elegance and a temperament built for Tests, Sudharsan partnered Jaiswal in a monumental 193-run stand. He was dropped once on 58, but quickly recalibrated, showing little sign of nerves as he moved past his previous Test best of 61.
Sudharsan’s footwork allowed him to drive on the rise, and his ability to rotate the strike kept his partner free to attack. The 23-year-old’s crisp cuts and cool temperament caught the eye of Sunil Gavaskar in the commentary box, and his gritty 87 only ended when Warrican found a sharp turn and trapped him LBW on review.​
West Indies Falter, India Pile On
Despite the discipline of Warrican—who claimed both Indian wickets—the West Indies attack failed to sustain pressure. Seamers Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip showed promise with occasional movement, but couldn’t convert half-chances or unsettle Jaiswal or Sudharsan for long.​
Fielding lapses and a lack of penetration characterized the day for the tourists. Even when Sudharsan was tested, India always seemed one step ahead. By tea, the hosts were 220/1 with both youngsters unbeaten—a testament to the unruffled mindset the dressing room has cultivated.
Gill’s Calm and Late Drama
Gill joined Jaiswal after Sudharsan’s dismissal and provided a calm presence through stumps. He took his time, rotated the strike, and showcased leadership, especially during a minor collision with wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach that required attention from both physiotherapists—though both were quickly back on their feet, and Gill even managed a mock concussion test with Jaiswal.​
The pair cruised through the evening, posting an unbroken 67-run stand and showing why India is considered the hardest assignment in world Test cricket at home. Gill ended the day on 20*, India at 318/2, and Jaiswal poised for a double hundred—leaving West Indies searching for answers.
Records, Legacy, and Series Context
Jaiswal’s achievements are more than statistical. He has become the only Indian besides Tendulkar to score seven Test centuries before turning 24, equaling Graeme Smith’s opening-batter record. Five of those tons are 150-plus scores, putting him in an exclusive club with Don Bradman for productivity at a young age.​
Sai Sudharsan’s near-century underlined India’s successful search for a stable No.3 following Cheteshwar Pujara’s exit. If the day marked one side’s dominance, it also revealed the work awaiting the visitors for the final three days of the Test, needing a bowling miracle to claw back as India chase a series whitewash for the first time in over a year.​
Final Thoughts: A Day of Indian Excellence
Day 1 was a masterclass in patience, skill, and tactical acumen. Jaiswal’s marathon and Sudharsan’s steadying hand gave India complete control, reminded fans of the value of classical Test batting, and set the tone for a result that feels almost inevitable given current form.
West Indies must regroup overnight, review their bowling strategies, and muster a fightback if they wish to avoid the fate that befell them in Ahmedabad. For India, optimism abounds as generational talent continues to produce memorable performances.
