Skipper slams unbeaten 129; India declare at 518/5 before bowlers tighten grip on visitors
NEW DELHI, Oct 11: It was a day when Shubman Gill the batter and Shubman Gill the captain worked in perfect harmony to script India’s dominance over the West Indies in the second Test at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Saturday. Gill’s authoritative unbeaten 129, his 10th Test century, coupled with a disciplined bowling effort led by Ravindra Jadeja (3/37), put India firmly on course for another emphatic victory.
Resuming from the overnight 318 for two, India piled on the misery for the visitors by adding another 200 runs in 44.2 overs, before Gill declared the innings at 518 for five, barely an hour into the post-lunch session. It was a bold decision that underlined Gill’s intent as a leader — prioritizing team dominance over personal milestones, even when a double hundred seemed well within reach.
If the first day was about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s sublime 175, the second belonged entirely to Gill, who batted with poise, precision, and complete control over proceedings. His 196-ball knock was laced with 16 fours and two sixes, and featured century partnerships with Nitish Kumar Reddy (43) and Dhruv Jurel (44) for the fourth and fifth wickets respectively.
Gill reached his century in the post-lunch session, cutting spinner Khary Pierre for three runs. It was his fifth hundred in the last seven Tests, reaffirming his consistency and maturity as India’s new-age leader.
While Jaiswal’s unfortunate run-out early in the day momentarily halted India’s charge, Gill’s concentration remained unbroken. He shifted gears effortlessly — attacking when fielders were brought up, and rotating strike smartly once the gaps opened up. His adaptability left the West Indies bowlers clueless.
The highlight of his innings came with a sublime flick off Jayden Seales through mid-wicket to bring up his second fifty of the series, followed by a lofted six off Justin Greaves that showcased his growing command as a stroke-maker.
Gill’s declaration proved tactically sound, giving his spinners enough time to exploit the surface that had begun to offer subtle turn and bounce. And the bowlers responded in kind.
Jadeja, operating with trademark guile, struck thrice to leave the visitors reeling at 140 for four in 43 overs by stumps. Kuldeep Yadav (1/45) provided perfect support from the other end, ensuring the West Indies batsmen remained under constant pressure.
Opener John Campbell was unlucky to be dismissed in bizarre fashion — his full-blooded sweep shot ricocheted off Sai Sudharsan’s knuckle and lodged in his hand as he tried to dodge it. After a brief resistance from Tagenarine Chanderpaul (34) and Alick Athanaze (41), who added 66 runs for the third wicket, both perished in quick succession — Chanderpaul edging to KL Rahul in slips and Athanaze holing out to Jadeja at mid-wicket.
Skipper Roston Chase compounded the visitors’ woes by offering a tame return catch to Jadeja, signaling yet another familiar West Indian collapse witnessed by legends Viv Richards and Brian Lara from the stands.
By the end of the second day, India were firmly in control — a massive first-innings total on the board, their spinners in rhythm, and a young captain showing a blend of tactical acumen and batting brilliance.
As the match heads into the third day, the focus will be on whether the West Indies can avoid another inevitable follow-on or if India, under Gill’s assertive leadership, will wrap up another comprehensive win to underline their supremacy at home.
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