Day 1 of the second Test between India and the West Indies belonged entirely to Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young opener produced an extraordinary display of patience, precision, and power, remaining unbeaten on 173 as India finished strongly at 318 for 2 after 90 overs in what was a near-flawless batting performance.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, India started confidently on a surface that offered little assistance to the bowlers. Jaiswal, in particular, looked in complete control from the outset, mixing solid defence with elegant stroke play. His balance at the crease and ability to pick gaps with precision reflected a maturity well beyond his years. Partnering him early was KL Rahul, who made a composed 38 before falling to a delivery that spun just enough to clip his off stump, giving the West Indies their first breakthrough.
From there, Jaiswal found strong support in Sai Sudharsan. The duo added 193 runs for the second wicket, batting through difficult spells and neutralising the West Indies’ attack with assured technique and measured aggression. Sudharsan’s 87 was a crucial innings in itself — full of controlled drives and clever rotation of strike — but it was Jaiswal who dominated the day with his unrelenting focus.
Reaching his hundred off 145 balls, Jaiswal celebrated quietly, knowing that his job was far from over. He kept punishing loose deliveries, often dispatching them through the covers and midwicket regions with authority. His control over timing stood out — never appearing rushed, always looking in command. By the close of play, he had struck 16 fours and faced 268 balls without showing any sign of fatigue.
The West Indies bowlers struggled to make any real impact. Their pacers lacked the bite to trouble the set batters, and the spinners failed to extract turn or drift. Several chances were half-created but none taken, as India tightened its grip on proceedings. The fielding effort was also lacklustre, adding to the visitors’ woes as they watched the game steadily drift away.
Captain Shubman Gill, who joined Jaiswal after Sudharsan’s dismissal, played out the day calmly, ending on 20 not out. The duo will resume on Day 2 with India poised for a massive first-innings total. The strategy will likely focus on building past 500, putting the West Indies under scoreboard pressure early.
For Jaiswal, this innings was more than just another century — it was a statement. Still early in his international career, the left-hander continues to cement his place as one of India’s brightest batting prospects. His temperament, shot selection, and ability to convert starts into big scores underline his growing stature in the Test arena.
As the sun set on a day dominated by his elegant strokeplay, Jaiswal walked off unbeaten, knowing he had not just guided India into control but also taken another significant step toward establishing himself among the country’s most dependable top-order batters.
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