India take on West Indies in the second Test of the two-match series in New Delhi. On a green Ahmedabad pitch, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah destroyed the West Indies’ batting lineup. Kuldeep Yadav supported with crucial breakthroughs.

With the bat, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Ravindra Jadeja scored centuries, ensuring India did not bat twice. Jadeja then took four wickets to seal a 1–0 series lead.

Heading into the Delhi Test, India aims to keep pressure high. Head coach Gautam Gambhir reinforced this message during a team dinner. The focus is on the current series and bigger challenges ahead.

Gill Focuses on the Present

At 25, Gill is steadily making his mark as India’s Test captain. He also became ODI captain just after the first Test concluded. While Gill focuses on the present, India aims to maintain momentum in the World Test Championship cycle.

Shubman Gill said, “I want to stay [in the] present as [much as] possible and don't really want to look back on what I've been able to achieve or what we, as a team, have been able to achieve. Just want to look forward and win everything that we have in the upcoming months.”

Last time, a home series loss to New Zealand cost India a spot in the WTC final at Lord’s. The team wants no repeat mistakes. They showed intent in the first Test, dominating West Indies in all departments.

South Africa Tour Looms

India’s next major opponent is South Africa, the reigning WTC champions. They will tour after playing in Pakistan and arrive adapted to subcontinent conditions.

The Delhi Test is a chance for India to deliver a complete performance and avoid mistakes.

Team Areas to Improve

India still has issues to address. The No.3 batting position remains uncertain. Sai Sudharsan has not cemented his place, while Karun Nair is also under pressure.

India also wants to test Nitish Kumar Reddy more. He bowled only four overs and did not bat in the first Test. Developing a seam-bowling all-rounder remains a priority. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and Gill agree on this.

West Indies Seek Improvement

West Indies must avoid another quick defeat. Their Test form is poor, highlighted by the 27 all-out against Australia.

Head coach Daren Sammy said, “The troubles we have didn’t start now. I know I am under the microscope. Our problems don’t lie on the surface. The immediate fix is to encourage the guys to train better and have a better mindset. The only way we can match up and compete is if we are prepared to outwork the opposition. We’re not doing that. That is where I’ve challenged them. When we train, we have to be more precise and purposeful. We cannot have the opposition outworking us. That is the biggest issue for me. You don’t need to have talent to work hard.”

Head-to-Head Record

India’s win in Ahmedabad was their 24th Test victory against West Indies in 101 matches. They have lost 30 Tests to them. West Indies’ last win against India came in 2002.

The last West Indies win in India was in 1994 at Mohali. Since then, India has dominated, including a 16-0 record since 2002–03. India has not lost a Test in Delhi since 1987 against West Indies.

Team News

India has little reason to change the XI after a strong win. The No.3 spot remains a question between Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal. Kuldeep Yadav could make way for Axar Patel to add depth.

West Indies will likely keep the batting lineup. Bowling may change. Jayden Seales impressed in the first Test. Jediah Blades may replace Johann Layne to add left-arm pace.

Pitch and Weather

The Delhi pitch will favor batters early. Black soil will help them for two and a half days before spinners dominate. Recent rain will not disrupt play.

Probable Playing XI's

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan/Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill (c), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav/Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

West Indies: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, John Campbell, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk), Roston Chase (c), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Johann Layne/Jediah Blades, Jayden Seales.