Young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered a masterful performance in the first innings of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, top-scoring for India with a magnificent 175 off 258 balls before his innings was cut short by a disappointing run-out.
The 23-year-old left-hander was in punishing form on Day 1, smashing 22 boundaries to all corners of the ground and laying a solid foundation for the hosts who ended the day at a commanding 318/2. His innings was a showcase of elegant drives and calculated aggression, leaving the West Indies bowlers largely clueless.
Lara’s Special Request
Jaiswal’s phenomenal batting drew admiration from the stands, including from West Indies legend and former captain, Brian Lara. In a moment captured and shared by the BCCI’s official Instagram handle on Sunday morning, Lara was seen warmly congratulating Jaiswal with a hug. The batting icon then made a special, light-hearted request to the young star: “Don’t beat our bowlers that bad,” to which Jaiswal politely responded that he was “just trying.”
Focus on Team and Big Scores
Reflecting on his approach, Jaiswal, India’s highest-ranked Test batter, emphasized his commitment to the team’s cause. “I always put the team first, how I can play for my team and what is important for my team at that moment in time,” he stated. His focus remains on occupying the crease for as long as possible: “If I’m there, I make sure that I take it as long as I can. So that is all my mindset that if I have a start, I make sure that I should make it big, just like that.”
Jaiswal’s knock included a crucial 193-run partnership for the second wicket with B Sai Sudharsan, who scored a fluent 87 off 165 balls. He was also full of praise for skipper Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on 129 runs at stumps on Day 2.
“Gill bhai has batted amazingly as always,” Jaiswal noted. “The way he bats and the way he runs the game when he is batting, I think it’s absolutely fantastic.”
Double Century Denied by Mix-Up
Jaiswal, who was on course for his third Test double century, could only add two runs to his overnight score of 173 on Day 2. His brilliant innings tragically ended on 175 after a costly miscommunication with Captain Gill led to a run-out on the second ball of the 92nd over, a frustrating end to what was a superb demonstration of world-class batting. Despite the unfortunate dismissal, his marathon effort ensured India cemented their dominant position in the match.