Gill’s Ton and Jadeja-Kuldeep Strikes Put India in Control Against West Indies – Delhi Test

India owned Day 2 of the Delhi Test as Shubman Gill’s fluent century set up another stunning performance at home. His unbeaten 129 led India to a strong 518/5 (declared), before Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav tore through West Indies’ top order to leave them struggling at 140 for 4 by stumps.

The West Indies looked more assured with the bat than in Ahmedabad, showing greater application and patience. Alick Athanaze’s 41 was their highest score of the series, and the team finally stitched a half-century stand. It was a rare positive after failing to last 50 overs in either innings of the first Test. But despite signs of progress, India stayed firmly in command.

The morning began with the dismissal of Jaiswal. Yashasvi Jaiswal, playing on 175 and looking set for another big one, was run out after a mix-up with Shubman Gill. That was the first wicket that came with a misunderstanding between players.  

He was pushing for a quick single to mid-off, but couldn't see Gill rooted at the other end. It was something that made everyone shocked at the moment. A clean throw caught him short. Clearly annoyed, the youngster made no attempt to hide his frustration, throwing a glance toward Gill as he walked back. If he didn't got out that way, he might have completed his double century. 

Gill, however, quickly made amends. The calm Indian skipper brought up his 10th Test hundred, and fifth as captain. Nitish Kumar Reddy, promoted to No. 5, contributed a brisk 43 with two sixes, while wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel once again looked composed during his 40s.

Gill barely broke a sweat through most of his innings, punishing loose deliveries. His short-arm cuts, crisp flicks, and controlled drives kept the scoreboard moving. When Justin Greaves attempted to slow him down with cutters, Gill danced down the track and lofted him cleanly for six. His hundred came quietly, but once past the mark, he shifted gears, collecting 27 runs off the next 19 balls.

Reddy’s knock ended when he mistimed a slog-sweep, while Jurel’s dismissal brought the declaration at 518 for 5. Gill walked off unbeaten, averaging 84.81 as captain. It is the highest by any Indian captain in a calendar year with five Test hundreds.

The West Indies openers began with more purpose this time. John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul faced the seamers confidently and even played Jadeja positively early on. Campbell swept him for a boundary but was dismissed the next ball when his sweep ricocheted off the short leg’s helmet and popped up for a catch. 

Chanderpaul and Athanaze then added West Indies’ best stand of the series, using their feet against spin and rotating strike well. But Jadeja once again broke through, forcing Chanderpaul into an edge to first slip. Athanaze, looking to take on Kuldeep, hit a full toss straight to midwicket, throwing away his start.

Soon after, captain Roston Chase flicked one tamely back to Jadeja. It was a soft dismissal that had legends Brian Lara and Viv Richards in the stands shaking their heads. Shai Hope and Tevin Imlach held firm through the final hour, ensuring West Indies ended without further loss.

However, with 378 still to chase, the visitors will need a strong batting effort far beyond anything they’ve managed so far in the series.