Post by : Mumtaaz
Qadiri
India defeated the West Indies by seven wickets in the second Test to sweep the series 2-0 on Tuesday. The match was held at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, where India successfully chased a target of 121 runs in the first session of day five.
KL Rahul Stars in the Chase
Opener KL Rahul played a match-winning unbeaten 58 to guide India to victory. His composed innings ensured India achieved the target despite losing two wickets early in the final day, showcasing his consistency and experience at the crease.
West Indies Fightback in Second Innings
West Indies skipper Roston Chase struck twice with his off-spin, dismissing overnight batter Sai Sudharsan for 39 and Indian captain Shubman Gill for 13. Despite their spirited fightback, the visitors could not prevent India from completing the chase.
Kuldeep Yadav Leads India’s Bowling
India’s left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav delivered a match haul of eight wickets, including 5-82 in the first innings. He finished the series with 12 wickets, highlighting his crucial role in India’s bowling attack. Pace bowler Mohammed Siraj also impressed, taking 10 wickets and reaching 37 wickets in eight matches this year.
India’s Team in Transition
Under 26-year-old Shubman Gill, India is evolving after the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Gill’s leadership has already delivered results, with India winning the opening Test by an innings and 140 runs and achieving success overseas with a 2-2 draw in England earlier this year.
Strong Performances from Indian Batsmen
With West Indies missing key pace bowlers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph due to injuries, India’s batsmen thrived. Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with 175 in the first innings, and Shubman Gill added an unbeaten 129, building a massive total of 518-5 declared.
West Indies Struggle Despite Resistance
The West Indies, once dominant in world cricket, have faced years of decline. This series marked a second consecutive Test whitewash, following their 0-3 loss at home to Australia. However, there were promising moments, especially in the second Test.
Key Resistance from West Indies Players
Left-handers John Campbell and Shai Hope scored 115 and 103 respectively, forming a 177-run partnership for the third wicket. Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales added 79 runs for the final wicket in the second innings, showing resilience on a slow pitch that challenged India’s bowlers.
India Enforces Follow-On and Maintains Control
India had enforced the follow-on after bowling out the West Indies for 248, trailing by 270 runs from the first innings. Despite the visitors’ second innings resistance, India’s disciplined batting and bowling ensured a controlled finish on the final day.
India’s 2-0 series sweep reflects the team’s growing depth under Shubman Gill’s leadership. KL Rahul’s unbeaten 58, combined with Kuldeep Yadav’s bowling performance, demonstrated India’s balance in both batting and bowling, while West Indies showed glimpses of hope for rebuilding in the future.
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