India were 318/2 at the end of Day 1 of the second Test against the West Indies in the two-match series. Yashasvi Jaiswal once again proved his class among modern Test batters by scoring his seventh century. His partner, B Sai Sudharsan, supported him brilliantly with a fluent 87 runs. This came after captain Shubman Gill finally won a toss — his first in seven attempts. The pitch at Feroz Shah Kotla was typically slow. Although the West Indies bowlers maintained discipline by not conceding a single extra, they lacked penetration. During the middle session, India took full control, adding 126 runs without losing a wicket.

Patient Start, Then Punishing Finish

Jaiswal adjusted beautifully to the conditions. He started watchfully in the first hour, punished loose balls later, and tightened up again as the bowlers found rhythm. When he was on 93, fast bowlers had already gifted him six half-volley boundaries, four short-ball boundaries, and one fuller-length shot for four. Interestingly, Jaiswal avoided taking risks against good-length deliveries. His balance between aggression and patience defined the innings.

Record-Breaking Youngster

With this knock, Jaiswal equalled Graeme Smith’s record for most centuries as an opener under 24. Among Indian players, only Sachin Tendulkar has scored more hundreds before turning 24. Moreover, for the fifth time in seven centuries, Jaiswal crossed 150 runs — a feat achieved more often before 24 only by Don Bradman.

Sudharsan Stands Tall at No. 3

The 23-year-old Sai Sudharsan also made a strong case for India’s No. 3 spot. Playing his early Tests with a first-class average below 40, he faced pressure to perform. He walked in early after KL Rahul was dismissed for 38 off 54, beaten by a sharply turning delivery from Jomel Warrican. Sudharsan and Jaiswal then built a 197-run partnership for the second wicket. He played confidently, mixing solid defence with precise stroke play. He offered his first false shot at 58 — a chance that was dropped — and finally fell to another turning ball from Warrican after facing 165 balls.

West Indies Lose Control After Lunch

In the first hour, the West Indies seamers were steady. They conceded only 29 runs in 12 overs and kept the openers cautious. However, once India read the conditions, runs started flowing. Rahul, usually restrained, showed aggression by hitting Khary Pierre for a six over long-on. But his attempt to repeat that shot against Warrican cost him his wicket. The ball spun 8.4 degrees, beating him in the air and getting him stumped. Jaiswal, who had missed out in the previous match, changed his approach. He avoided aerial shots and focused on placement — nudging, flicking, and timing beautifully. By lunch, he had moved from 10 off 35 balls to 40 off 78.

Sudharsan’s Composed Approach

Sudharsan began confidently, driving his first delivery — a full toss — for four. After lunch, Jayden Seales bowled two short and wide deliveries, both dispatched for boundaries by Jaiswal. The West Indies then completely lost their line. Boundaries came almost every over during that session. Sudharsan reached his second Test fifty with a four off another full toss. In between, he played some crisp back-foot punches — a strength that also contributed to his eventual dismissal. Seales tried to fight back after tea with a tight spell of 4 overs for 6 runs, using the reversing ball effectively. But Pierre released the pressure quickly, giving away easy singles.

Sudharsan Falls, Jaiswal Marches On

Against the run of play, Warrican dismissed Sudharsan lbw with a delivery that turned 6.4 degrees. The ball was bowled flat and full, catching Sudharsan deep in the crease when he should have been forward. The extra turn gave him no time to recover. After his dismissal, Jaiswal and Shubman Gill guided India safely to stumps. Both batters remained alert, with Gill occasionally sweeping aerially. They even endured a 44-ball spell without a boundary, ending it with a full toss that Jaiswal put away. Before stumps, Jaiswal accelerated again, adding 17 runs in overs 87 and 88 to finish the day unbeaten on 173 off 253 balls — a knock full of maturity, discipline, and dominance.

Brief Scorecard