When Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed an unbeaten 173 at Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 10, 2025, the Indian cricket team seized a commanding 318‑for‑2 lead in the second Test against West Indies. The giant total, built on Jaiswal’s century‑plus knock and a gritty 87 from Sai Sudharsan, put the hosts in a position that analysts say will likely end the series before the final day.
Day‑One Recap: From 122/1 to 318/2
The morning session saw Shubman Gill, the side’s captain, and KL Rahul settle down quickly. By tea, India were 220 for 1, with Jaiswal on 140 and Sudharsan cruising at 57. The final session turned into a batting parade: Jaiswal nudged his score past the 150‑run mark, then lofted a six to bring it to 173 not out, while Sudharsan’s 87 came off 119 balls, anchoring the innings after the early wicket of KL Rahul at 58.
West Indies’ bowlers struggled to find rhythm. Jomel Warrican bowled a tidy spell of 20 overs for 60 runs and took two crucial wickets, but the lack of penetration allowed the Indian top order to dictate terms. The other end, represented by Anderson Phillip, went wicket‑less in 13 overs, his line drifting into the comfortable zone.
Key Performances That Shaped the Day
Jaiswal’s innings was a textbook showcase of shot selection on a "black‑soil" track that offered pace early but began to settle, rewarding the bat. He punched 20 fours and six sixes, rotating the strike expertly and punishing any loose delivery. His partnership of 251 runs with Sudharsan eclipsed the previous best for India at this venue, a record set back in 2018 against England.
Sudharsan, under the microscope after a string of low scores, finally found his rhythm. His 87, built on a mixture of late‑cut drives and deft flicks, silenced critics who had questioned his place in the side. Even after his dismissal at 251, his cameo left a lasting impression – a sign that the middle order is ready to shoulder the load in the series.
On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj were held at bay, each delivering just under 10 overs with an economy above 5. Their subdued start is typical on flat surfaces, but they remain the main weapons for India once the pitch offers turn later in the match.
West Indies’ Outlook: A ‘Terminal Disease’?
West Indies captain Roston Chase walked onto the field with a grim expression. After a crushing 1‑0 lead, head coach Darren Sammy described the squad’s morale as a "terminal disease," admitting that the team feels like a "pale shadow" of its former self. The Caribbean side, still reeling from the first‑Test defeat in Ahmedabad, hopes that mentorship from legends Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Richie Richardson and Brian Lara will spark a turnaround.
Sammy’s candid remarks, while harsh, reflect a broader crisis: a lack of exposure for Caribbean players in top‑tier T20 leagues, dwindling domestic competitions, and a fractured selection policy. "We need direction and belief," Sammy told reporters after the session, "or we’ll keep drifting."
Pitch, Conditions and What Lies Ahead
The Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch has been described as a "dry patch on black soil" that provides genuine bounce early but dries out quickly, favouring batsmen who can exploit the pace. Spin is expected to become a decisive factor from day two onward, especially as the moisture evaporates under Delhi’s early‑winter sun.
India’s spin quartet—Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav and the emerging Nitish Kumar Reddy—will likely rotate through the attack. Their early involvement could test the West Indies’ lower order, which has looked tentative in the first innings.
Beyond the pitch, the psychological edge is massive. India entered the match with a "unassailable" series lead, while the West Indies are playing catch‑up on a foreign surface. The contrast in confidence levels is evident in the body language of both camps.
Implications for the Series and Beyond
If India can bat through the remaining sessions without a dramatic collapse, a three‑day victory is plausible, echoing the first Test’s rapid conclusion. Such a result would seal the series 2‑0 and give the Indian side a chance to experiment ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup.
For the West Indies, the next few days are a litmus test for their rebuilding project. A respectable fightback could preserve morale and buy time for Sammy’s development plans, which include sending more players to county cricket and IPL exposure.
From a broader viewpoint, the series highlights the widening gap between cricket’s traditional powerhouses and those struggling to adapt to the modern, franchise‑driven landscape. The Delhi Test may become a case study in how home advantage, depth of talent, and strategic planning converge to dominate an opponent.
What to Watch on Day Two
- How quickly the pitch deteriorates and whether the spin bowlers can extract turn.
- Whether West Indies can break the partnership early and create pressure.
- India’s lower order: will Bumrah and Siraj find rhythm after a quiet first day?
- Potential debut or promotion of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the middle order.
- Any tactical adjustments from Darren Sammy after the heavy first‑innings deficit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jaiswal’s 173 impact his future in the Indian team?
The innings cements Jaiswal’s claim for a permanent spot in the top order. Selectors view a double‑hundred on debut as a signal that he can handle pressure, especially on sub‑continental pitches. Expect him to open in the upcoming limited‑overs series as well.
What are West Indies’ chances of turning the series around after this loss?
Statistically, a comeback is unlikely. The deficit of 318 runs is one of the largest after a single day in Test history. Unless the bowlers can trigger a collapse, the series will probably end 2‑0 in India’s favour.
Why is spin expected to dominate the later sessions?
The dry, black‑soil surface dries further under Delhi’s winter sun, causing the ball to grip more. Historically, matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium see spinners picking up two to three wickets per innings after the second day.
What role does the mentoring session with Caribbean legends play?
The session aimed to restore confidence and share tactical insights. While inspirational, its immediate effect is limited; the players still need to translate advice into on‑field execution, which remains a challenge against a dominant Indian side.
Will the outcome of this Test affect India’s preparation for the Asia Cup?
A quick victory will free up practice days for India’s limited‑overs squad, allowing them to fine‑tune batting line‑ups and experiment with spin options before the Asia Cup starts in November.
