India Steady at 94 for 1 as Second Test Against West Indies Kicks Off
Yashasvi Jaiswal leads India’s charge at lunch in Delhi duel.
The second Test match between India and West Indies which commenced on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, has India reaching 94/1 at lunch on Day 1. Indian captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bat first against West Indies, led by Roston Chase, in a series where India holds a 1-0 lead following their victory in Ahmedabad. At the break, Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 40 off 78 balls, while debutant Sai Sudharsan was not out on 16 off 36 deliveries, providing a solid foundation after the early dismissal of KL Rahul.
The match began under pleasant morning conditions, with Delhi’s weather cooling after recent rains, offering an ideal setting for cricket. However, speculation swirled pre-match about India’s team selection, particularly regarding the inclusion of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. His availability for the entire series had surprised many, and Gill’s pre-match assertion of fielding the “strongest 11” quelled doubts, with Bumrah joining Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar in a formidable bowling attack. The batting lineup, featuring debutant Sudharsan alongside Jaiswal, Gill, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, reflects India’s intent to dominate.
For West Indies, the focus is on redemption after a lackluster performance in the first Test, where deficiencies across batting, bowling, and fielding were evident. Captain Chase and head coach Darren Sammy are banking on improved application from their batsmen, with the playing XI including John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip, and Jayden Seales. The team aims to capitalize on any early breakthroughs, though their task appears daunting against India’s robust lineup.
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The morning session saw India lose Rahul early, but Jaiswal and Sudharsan steadied the innings with cautious yet confident play. The pitch, affected by recent weather, offered variable bounce, challenging the batsmen and setting the stage for an intriguing post-lunch session. With India’s bowlers poised to exploit any West Indies weaknesses later, and the visitors eager to mount a comeback, the match promises intense competition. As the series nears its conclusion, both teams are poised to leave a lasting impression on this Delhi encounter.
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