India's batting prowess shone brightly as Yashasvi Jaiswal and B Sai Sudharsan led the charge, amassing 318 for 2 against the West Indies. Jaiswal, with his seventh century, solidified his place among the best Test batters, while Sudharsan, playing under pressure as India's No. 3, showcased his talent with a near-flawless 87. The match unfolded on a typically slow Feroz Shah Kotla track, where the West Indies bowling, though disciplined, lacked penetration.
Jaiswal's approach was methodical. He began with caution, then seized opportunities presented by loose bowling, tightening his game as the West Indies adjusted. Fast bowlers served him six half-volley boundaries, four short-ball boundaries, and one just fuller than good length, but Jaiswal remained selective, focusing on good-length balls. This approach earned him the distinction of equaling Graeme Smith's record for most centuries as an opener under 24, and only Sachin Tendulkar scored more hundreds before his 24th birthday.
Sudharsan, the other 23-year-old, faced the challenge of living up to India's high batting standards. He and Jaiswal formed a formidable partnership, adding 197 for the second wicket. Sudharsan's innings included his first false shot on 58, which he recovered from, and a well-played 165-ball innings. However, the West Indies bowlers needed to maintain discipline to challenge India, especially in a venue where they hadn't lost in 38 years.
The West Indies' struggles continued as KL Rahul lofted Khary Pierre's left-arm spin for a boundary in the second over. Jomel Warrican's deliveries proved tricky, with Rahul stumped for 38 off 54. Jaiswal, who missed the first match, focused on solid shots, accelerating from 10 off 35 to 40 off 78 by lunch. Sudharsan, welcomed with a full toss, put it away for four, but the West Indies' bowlers needed to maintain discipline.
Jayden Seales and Roston Chase presented challenges, with Seales bowling two short and wide balls that Jaiswal put away for fours. Sudharsan joined the fray, playing excellent punches off the back foot, eventually leading to his dismissal. The West Indies bowlers struggled to maintain pressure, with Pierre offering five easy singles in one over. Warrican's delivery, turning 6.4 degrees, trapped Sudharsan lbw, despite the ball being flat and full.
Jaiswal and Shubman Gill took India to stumps without further loss, showcasing their watchful approach. They even endured a 44-ball period without a boundary, ending with a full toss. Jaiswal's hunger for runs remained, scoring 17 in overs 87 and 88 to end up on 173 off 253, further cementing his status as a top-tier batter.
