Opting to bat first, India’s openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal started their innings with measured caution on a chilly Delhi morning. Despite the faint movement available for the West Indies bowlers, both batters looked composed at the crease. The boundaries soon began to flow, with Rahul breaking the early shackles by hitting consecutive fours in back-to-back overs before the drinks break. The pair added 29 runs in the next six overs, looking set for a big opening partnership. However, Rahul’s aggressive intent led to his dismissal for 38 as he advanced down the track against Jomel Warrican, only for the ball to turn sharply past the bat for an easy stumping, ending a solid 58-run stand. Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan then steadied the innings, guiding India safely to 94/1 by Lunch.
Jaiswal came out with renewed aggression after the break, immediately setting the tone by smashing three boundaries off Jayden Seales in the very first over of the second session. Both he and Sudharsan looked in complete command, punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike effortlessly. Jaiswal soon reached his fifty, followed by Sudharsan, who brought up his second Test half-century. The duo’s partnership flourished as Jaiswal converted his fifty into a well-crafted century off 145 balls, peppered with 14 boundaries. By the time Tea arrived, India were firmly in control at 220/1, having added 126 runs in the session at an impressive scoring rate.
The momentum continued in the final session, with Jaiswal striking an early boundary off Roston Chase to keep the pressure on the West Indies bowlers. Sudharsan, who had looked flawless throughout his innings, seemed destined for his maiden Test century. However, just 13 runs short of the milestone, he fell victim to Warrican, trapped plumb in front by a delivery that spun sharply back in. His dismissal brought captain Shubman Gill to the crease with India at 251/2. Gill took his time to settle in, opting for a cautious approach as the West Indies tightened their lines and lengths.
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The Windies took the new ball at the start of the 83rd over, hoping to break India’s rhythm, but it only aided the batters. Jaiswal looked even more confident against the harder ball, punching three crisp boundaries towards the close of play. He also survived a close DRS call, with the ball narrowly missing the stumps. As the session progressed, the partnership between Jaiswal and Gill grew steadily, frustrating the West Indies bowlers who struggled to find a breakthrough.
By Stumps, India had reached a commanding 318/2, with Jaiswal unbeaten after a majestic knock of 173, surpassing his previous best against the West Indies. The 77-run stand between him and Gill ensured India ended the day in total control, setting the stage for another dominant performance. The solid foundation laid by the top order has put India in a perfect position to dictate terms on Day 2.