Jaiswal's Masterful Century Puts India in Commanding Position
Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his phenomenal rise in Test cricket with a masterful, 175, guiding India to a position of complete dominance on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies. On a slow and challenging pitch at Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla, Jaiswal showcased remarkable maturity and adaptability, anchoring the innings as India closed the day on a formidable 318 for 2. He was brilliantly supported by B Sai Sudharsan, who crafted a near-perfect 87, as the young Indian top order systematically dismantled a West Indian bowling attack that was disciplined but ultimately lacked the cutting edge to pose a consistent threat.
The day began on a positive note for India after captain Shubman Gill won the toss for the first time in seven attempts and opted to bat. The West Indian seamers showed good control in the opening hour, keeping the runs in check and testing the openers. However, once the initial period was navigated, the Indian batsmen began to assert their authority. The middle session proved to be particularly punishing for the visitors, as their accuracy deserted them, allowing India to plunder 126 runs without the loss of a single wicket, firmly seizing control of the match.
Jaiswal Juggernaut Rolls On
This was a landmark innings for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who recorded his seventh Test hundred and further solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting young batters in the world. His approach was a lesson in situational awareness; he was watchful and patient when the bowling was tight, but mercilessly punished any loose deliveries. This was his fifth score of over 150 in just seven centuries, a remarkable conversion rate that places him in elite company.
The statistics from his innings are staggering for a player so early in his career. With this century, he is now level with Graeme Smith for the most hundreds as an opener before the age of 24. Among all Indian batsmen, only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar had more centuries before his 24th birthday. The consistency with which he builds monumental scores is reminiscent of the game's greats, with only Don Bradman having more scores of 150-plus before turning 24. Jaiswal remained hungry to the very end of the day, scoring a flurry of late boundaries to finish on 173, with a double-century firmly in his sights.
Sudharsan Provides Crucial Support
While Jaiswal was the star of the show, B Sai Sudharsan played a crucial supporting role, answering the call for a reliable presence at the pivotal No. 3 position. Coming to the crease after KL Rahul was dismissed for a brisk 38, Sudharsan weathered the initial pressure and settled into a composed and technically sound innings. He joined Jaiswal in a massive 197-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively batting the West Indies out of the contest.
Sudharsan looked largely untroubled throughout his 165-ball stay, playing with a calm assurance that belied his relative inexperience at the Test level. He offered just one clear chance when he was dropped on 58, but was otherwise flawless until he was finally trapped lbw by a sharp-turning delivery from Jomel Warrican. Despite narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century, his innings provided the perfect foundation for India's dominant total.
Tags: Cricket
