The second Test between India and West Indies in Delhi turned into a thrilling contest of patience, skill and determination. What looked like another easy win for India suddenly became a long battle as the West Indies dragged the match into the final day. India now need only 58 more runs to seal a 2–0 series victory, but the visitors deserve credit for their fight.
India’s strong start
After winning the first Test easily in Ahmedabad, India entered the Delhi Test with confidence. Their plan was simple — bat big, bowl tight and keep the pressure on. In the first innings, West Indies managed only 248 runs. The Indian bowlers were disciplined, and Kuldeep Yadav stood out with his variations and control. His spell made the difference, picking up crucial wickets whenever the visitors tried to build partnerships.
When India came out to bat, their top order continued to dominate. Yashasvi Jaiswal played fluently, while Shubman Gill anchored the innings beautifully. Gill’s unbeaten 129 was one of the finest knocks of his young career, full of timing and maturity. The Indian captain showed his growing consistency in red-ball cricket. By the time India declared their innings at 518 for 5, they had taken full control of the game.
The 270-run lead meant India enforced the follow-on. On paper, it looked like the match would end on Day 4. But cricket often surprises, and this time, it did again.
West Indies fight back
Facing a huge deficit, the West Indies openers came out with a different mindset. Instead of surviving, they decided to counterattack. John Campbell led from the front with courage. He reached his maiden Test hundred after years of struggle. His innings was full of straight drives, firm cuts and smart running. Shai Hope, his partner, found his rhythm too. Hope’s century was his first in 58 Test innings, and it reminded fans why he is still one of the most gifted stroke-makers in world cricket.
Their partnership of 177 runs for the third wicket was the turning point of the match. For the first time in the series, India looked under pressure. Campbell’s calm approach frustrated the spinners, while Hope’s balance between attack and defence forced the bowlers to change plans.
Once both fell, India regained control. But even then, West Indies refused to fold. The lower order, led by Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales, showed rare determination. They added 79 runs for the last wicket, defying the Indian attack for more than 20 overs. Greaves reached a fighting half-century, while Seales played the supporting role perfectly. This partnership pushed India’s target to 121, ensuring the match would go into Day 5.
India’s bowlers stay patient
India’s spinners did most of the work again. Kuldeep Yadav followed up his first-innings five-wicket haul with three more wickets. His variations and drift kept the batters guessing. Jasprit Bumrah also picked up three wickets, using reverse swing smartly. Ravindra Jadeja, though wicketless for long spells, kept the runs in check and created constant pressure.
For the team, the fourth day became a test of patience. Every time they thought the innings would end, West Indies found a way to extend it. The partnership between Greaves and Seales was particularly frustrating. It was a reminder that even on flat pitches, focus and discipline are key.
The chase begins
India began their second innings late in the afternoon with just 121 runs to get. Yashasvi Jaiswal started aggressively but was dismissed while trying to play across the line. That wicket gave West Indies a small opening, but India’s new pair of KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan quickly calmed things down.
Rahul, returning to Test form after a break, looked composed and confident. Sudharsan, playing in only his second match, was patient and technically sound. Together they added 54 runs, guiding India to 63 for 1 by stumps. The target now looks within easy reach, but both players will know the importance of finishing the job properly.
Key moments of the match
John Campbell’s century
Campbell’s 115 was the highlight of the West Indies innings. He played with control and confidence, leaving well outside off stump and punishing loose balls. It was his first Test hundred and came at a crucial time.
Shai Hope’s hundred
Hope’s century reminded everyone of his talent. His cover drives were pure timing, and he rotated the strike cleverly. His innings allowed West Indies to dream of saving the match.
Kuldeep Yadav’s spells
Kuldeep was India’s best bowler once again. His mix of flight, pace and angle troubled every batter. He finished the match so far with eight wickets across both innings.
The tail’s resistance
Greaves and Seales frustrated India with their long partnership. They batted with grit, turning what could have been a one-sided finish into a fifth-day contest.
India’s calm chase
KL Rahul and Sudharsan’s unbroken stand showed maturity. They refused to take unnecessary risks and made sure the team stayed in control.
What to expect on Day 5
India will begin the final day needing 58 more runs. On this surface, the only real threat is complacency. The pitch is slow but not dangerous. If India stay calm, they should wrap up the match in the first session. However, the West Indies will hope for early wickets to create some tension.
Jayden Seales and Kemar Roach will look to make the ball talk with the new ball. If they can remove Rahul or Sudharsan early, the visitors might dream again. But India’s middle order, including Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, is in form and unlikely to let things slip.
Bigger picture
For India, this match has been about dominance with moments of learning. Their batters delivered, their bowlers remained consistent, and the team handled pressure well. But the long West Indies resistance also showed that endurance and mental strength still matter in Test cricket.
For the West Indies, there are many positives despite being on the verge of another loss. Campbell’s hundred, Hope’s revival, and the tail’s determination all point toward progress. The team still lacks depth, but the fight they showed in Delhi will earn them respect.
Final word
As the sun rises on Day 5 in Delhi, fans can expect a short but exciting finish. India will look to complete their second clean sweep of the year, while West Indies will fight for pride. No matter the result, this Test has reminded everyone why five-day cricket remains special. It tests skill, patience and the human will to fight even when the odds are stacked against you.
The match will most likely end in India’s favour, but the West Indies have already won something more important, they have won back some belief.
