IND vs WI: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 173 Leads India On Day 1

In the ongoing IND vs WI Test series, India posted a commanding 318/2 at stumps on Day 1 in Delhi, thanks to a stunning century by Yashasvi Jaiswal and a solid 87 from B Sai Sudharsan.

On a typically slow track at the Feroz Shah Kotla, the West Indies bowlers showed discipline but lacked the penetration to trouble India’s top order for most of the day.

Jaiswal Hits 7th Test Century, Equals Graeme Smith Record

Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his golden run in Test cricket, scoring his seventh Test hundred, a brilliant 173 off 253 balls. With this knock, Jaiswal equalled Graeme Smith’s record for most centuries as an opener under the age of 24.

Only Sachin Tendulkar has scored more centuries for India before turning 24. Notably, this was the fifth time Jaiswal went past 150, placing him just behind Don Bradman for the most 150+ scores before the age of 24.

Sai Sudharsan Silences Doubts with Composed 87

At No. 3, B Sai Sudharsan, playing only his second Test, justified his selection with a calm and technically sound 87 off 165 deliveries. Joining Jaiswal early after the dismissal of KL Rahul (38), the pair added a mammoth 197-run partnership for the second wicket.

Despite coming in with a modest first-class record, Sudharsan showed remarkable maturity and strokeplay. He struck boundaries with authority, especially through back-foot punches and cover drives, before falling LBW to a sharply turning delivery from Jomel Warrican.

KL Rahul Falls After Positive Start

KL Rahul, promoted to open in this match, got off to a quick start but fell to a clever piece of bowling from Khary Pierre. After lofting Pierre for a six, Rahul attempted a similar shot against Warrican, only to be stumped after a massive 8.4-degree turn a rare moment of brilliance for the West Indies on an otherwise forgettable day.

West Indies Show Discipline but Lack Bite

Despite not conceding a single extra all day, the West Indies bowling attack lacked incisiveness. Their best phase came in the first hour and right after tea, when Jayden Seales bowled a tight reverse-swing spell (4-0-6-0). However, their accuracy deserted them in the middle session, where India scored 126 runs without losing a wicket.

India’s batters profited from excessive deliveries that were short, over-pitched, or half volley’s, especially Seales who provided width which Jaiswal was only too happy to profit from with precise cut shots.

Jaiswal’s Innings: A Masterclass in Control and Adaptation

Jaiswal’s innings showcased an example in temperament and shot selection. He started off slowly, scoring just 10 runs from his first 3 balls, but it was only a matter of time before he progressively stepped the tempo up.

He showed patience with an eye towards the tight spell of bowling, as well as full value to any less-than-perfect deliveries he was bowled, including six boundaries of half-volley length, four short-ball boundaries, and the same four balls that he flicked expertly off his pads.

He exhibited no inclination to be careless with his batting, and much like the majority of the innings he displayed little inclination towards his preferred aerial strokes. Crowned with wise approach to aggressiveness in the final portion of the day added some precious runs to the final total as he scored 17 runs in the final two overs before the end of the day.

Gill and Jaiswal Steady at Stumps

Captain Shubman Gill, finally winning a toss after six consecutive losses, remained unbeaten with Jaiswal at stumps. Gill played a composed hand, ensuring there were no further setbacks. The duo even went through a 44-ball period without a boundary.