In a thrilling turn at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, West Indies reached 252 for three at lunch on Day 4 of the second Test against India, trailing by just 18 runs in their second innings after follow-on. Shai Hope stood firm at 92 not out, inching toward his third Test century, while skipper Roston Chase added 23 not out, as India hunted for quick wickets to wrap up the match on October 13, 2025.
West Indies Stage Strong Fightback After Follow-On
West Indies started Day 4 under pressure, having been forced to follow on after crumbling to 248 in their first innings against India’s massive 518 for five declared. The visitors trailed by 270 runs at that point, but openers John Campbell and Shai Hope turned the tide with a solid partnership.
Campbell smashed his maiden Test century, scoring 115 before Ravindra Jadeja broke through with a key dismissal. Hope, batting steadily, formed a 177-run stand with Campbell that frustrated the Indian bowlers. By lunch, Hope and Chase had added valuable runs, keeping West Indies in the contest.
The pitch offered some turn, yet West Indies batters played with grit. India captain Shubman Gill rotated his bowlers often, but breakthroughs came slowly.
India’s first innings dominance came from centuries by Yashasvi Jaiswal (173 not out) and Shubman Gill, setting a tough target. West Indies need to erase the remaining deficit and build a lead to force a draw or unlikely win.
Kuldeep Yadav Hits Rare Rough Patch
Kuldeep Yadav, who starred with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, faced an unusual struggle in the second. The wrist spinner bowled 13 overs without a wicket, marking the first time in 18 Test innings he stayed wicketless after such a spell.
This unwanted feat highlighted West Indies’ resilience against spin. Kuldeep’s first-innings magic included dismissing key batters like Shai Hope for 36, but Day 4 saw him toil without reward.
Experts point to the pitch wearing down, making it harder for spinners to grip. Kuldeep adjusted his lines, but Hope and Chase played him watchfully.
India relied on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj for pace, yet spin remained crucial. Kuldeep’s form dip adds pressure on Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to deliver.
Key Partnerships Power West Indies Revival
Partnerships defined West Indies’ second innings. Campbell and Hope’s 177-run stand for the second wicket set the tone, with Campbell aggressive and Hope anchoring.
After Campbell’s exit, Hope and Chase built an unbroken 37-run partnership by lunch. This kept the scoreboard ticking and boosted team morale.
Here are the top partnerships in West Indies’ second innings:
- John Campbell and Shai Hope: 177 runs
- Shai Hope and Roston Chase: 37 runs (ongoing)
- Other minor stands: Under 50 runs each
These alliances erased much of the deficit, turning a potential rout into a competitive battle. West Indies aim to surpass India’s lead and set a target if the match extends to Day 5.
India’s Bowling Strategy Under Scrutiny
India’s bowlers mixed pace and spin but struggled for consistency. Bumrah bowled tight spells, while Siraj added boundaries like Hope’s four through point.
Jadeja’s dismissal of Campbell was a highlight, spinning one past the edge. Washington Sundar chipped in with a six conceded to Chase, showing West Indies’ boldness.
Gill might enforce a more aggressive field to force errors. With rain unlikely in Delhi’s October weather, India pushes for a series sweep after winning the first Test.
The table below shows India’s key bowlers’ figures in the second innings at lunch:
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Runs Conceded | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | 12 | 0 | 45 | 3.75 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 15 | 0 | 59 | 3.93 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 20 | 1 | 62 | 3.10 |
| Washington Sundar | 19 | 1 | 68 | 3.58 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 10 | 0 | 40 | 4.00 |
These stats reveal India’s need for sharper execution in the post-lunch session.
What Lies Ahead for the Decisive Sessions
As play resumes after lunch, all eyes stay on Hope’s potential century and whether West Indies can take a lead. A collapse could hand India victory by innings, but a draw looms if batting holds.
This series tests India’s home dominance, especially with young stars like Jaiswal shining. West Indies, under Chase, show fight reminiscent of their past upsets.
Fans wonder if Kuldeep can bounce back or if Jadeja will spin India to glory. The match balances on a knife’s edge, promising more drama.
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