When Yashasvi Jaiswal, opener for Team India smashed an unbeaten 173 off 253 balls, India wrapped up Day 1 of the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi with 318/2 after 90 overs. The strike‑rate felt like a statement rather than a warm‑up, and the crowd could hardly contain themselves as the scoreboard glowed.
Context: A series on the line
This encounter is the climax of the West Indies tour of India 2025New Delhi, a two‑match Test series that doubles as a World Test Championship (WTC) showdown. After an innings loss in Ahmedabad, the West Indies entered the Delhi match looking for redemption, while India eyed a chance to cement its spot in the top three of the WTC table.
For India, the pitch was a familiar foe: a dry black‑soil surface with a flaky patch that promises "good value for shots and quick finishes," according to the Times of India. The conditions, however, invited the same aggression that Jaiswal displayed – a blend of patience and power that has become his hallmark since breaking into the side in 2023.
Day 1: A partnership that turned the tide
The day began with KL Rahul departing for 58 at 17.3 overs. That wicket opened the floodgates for Sai Sudharsan, who, after a lean spell of six low scores in seven innings, finally found his rhythm and added 87 before being caught at 68.3 overs. His innings was a reminder that the “burden of expectation” whispered by captain Shubman Gill was finally paying dividends.
But the real fireworks ignited when Jaiswal took charge. By the 85th over, he was already on 162* and the duo of Jaiswal and Gill had a modest 50‑run stand. The partnership grew, the bowlers' lengths wavered, and at 88.1 overs the scoreboard read 318/2 – Jaiswal 173* and Gill a patient 20*.
Bowling figures that spoke volumes
- Jomel Warrican – 20‑0‑60‑2
- Anderson Phillip – 13‑2‑48‑0
- Jayden Seales – 16‑1‑60‑0
None of the West Indies bowlers managed to break the rhythm. Seales, the lone bright spot from the first Test, slipped back into the shadows as the ball swung gently off the dry track.
Perspectives from the dressing rooms
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy was uncharacteristically blunt on the sidelines: "We feel like we have a terminal disease. The left‑hand side of the team is missing belief." His words echoed a sentiment shared by former greats who dropped by for a mentoring session – legends Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Richie Richardson and Brian Lara – who urged the squad to rediscover the "fire that made West Indies a formidable force".
On the Indian side, captain Gill praised Jaiswal’s shot selection: "He’s reading the pitch like a map. Every time a ball comes his way, he tells it where to go." The optimism was palpable, especially with the WTC points at stake. India’s next move? A likely push for a double century as Jaiswal eyes the 200‑run milestone before lunch on Day 2.
Why this match matters
Beyond the immediate scoreboard, the Test carries weight for three reasons:
- World Test Championship: A win pushes India within reach of the top‑two spots, crucial for the World Cup qualifying narrative.
- Player assessments: Sudharsan's 87 could cement his place, while the selectors will closely watch Nitish Kumar Reddy's seam swing potential in home conditions.
- Mental edge: A three‑day victory would underscore the widening belief gap between the two sides – a factor that can dictate series outcomes beyond pure skill.
Looking ahead: What to expect on Day 2
Morning session on Saturday, October 11, promises either a swift push toward a 400‑plus total or a collapse if the West Indian bowlers find the missing length. The consensus among analysts is that Jaiswal will try to accelerate, possibly reaching his 200‑run mark before the tea break.
Meanwhile, the West Indies will need a breakthrough – perhaps a wicket from Seales, who remains their most disciplined pacer – to stall the onslaught. If they can snag the wicket of Gill early, the partnership could be broken, but then again, Gill’s own style is more about accumulation than fireworks.
Key facts at a glance
- Score at stumps: India 318/2 (90 overs)
- Top scorer: Yashasvi Jaiswal 173* (253 balls)
- Leading wicket‑takers for WI: Jomel Warrican 2/60
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
- Series result so far: 1‑0 in favour of West Indies (first Test)
Background: West Indies cricket’s decline
Once a dominant force in the 1970s and 80s, the West Indies now face a talent drain, with many players opting for lucrative T20 contracts abroad instead of the red‑ball game. The domestic structure has struggled to produce quality seamers, a fact underscored by the limited impact of their pace attack in Delhi.
India, on the other hand, has been nurturing a deep batting line‑up. Since the 2022‑23 season, the board has emphasized technique over sheer power, a philosophy that’s bearing fruit in the form of young guns like Jaiswal and the ever‑reliable Gill.
What this means for the World Test Championship
If India clinches the series 2‑0, they will earn 24 points, propelling them into the top three ahead of Australia and New Zealand. The WTC points are calculated on a percentage basis, so a clean sweep against a lower‑ranked opponent is a strategic boost for any side eyeing the final.
Conversely, a comeback win for the West Indies would be a morale‑boosting miracle, potentially reshaping the narrative around Caribbean cricket’s ability to compete at the highest level again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Yashasvi Jaiswal’s innings affect his future in the team?
The 173* not only secures Jaiswal’s place in the playing XI but also pushes him into the conversation for a permanent opening spot. His ability to dominate on a seam‑friendly pitch shows adaptability, a trait the selectors value ahead of the upcoming Test against South Africa.
What are the implications for the West Indies’ World Test Championship standing?
A loss in the second Test would leave the West Indies with just 8 points from the series, dropping them to the lower half of the WTC table. It would also intensify pressure on the selectors to revamp the pace attack before the next series against Sri Lanka.
Who are the key bowlers India might rely on after Day 1?
India will likely turn to its swing duo – Mohammed Shami and Umran Malik – to exploit any moisture left in the pitch. Their ability to generate late movement could be decisive if the West Indies manage to build a partnership.
What does Darren Sammy mean by ‘terminal disease’ for West Indies?
Sammy’s comment reflects a deep‑seated confidence crisis. After an innings defeat in Ahmedabad, the team feels lost, and the lack of clear strategy has been likened to a disease that erodes belief. He hopes the mentorship from legends will act as a cure.
When is the next Test match in the series scheduled?
The second Test continues on Saturday, October 11, 2025, with day‑two play scheduled from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. The third and final Test, should the series be extended, is not on the calendar – the tour comprises just these two matches.