Indian left-handed opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal was cruelly denied a potential “daddy double hundred” after a horrible mix-up with captain Shubman Gill resulted in his run-out for 175 on Day 2 of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The Mumbai batter had looked set to convert his overnight score of 173 into a massive total, drawing a large Saturday crowd eager to witness the milestone. However, in the second over of the day, Jaiswal called for a quick single after playing a shot towards mid-off. Skipper Gill, batting at the non-striker’s end, was deemed guilty of ball-watching and was hesitant to commit to the run. By the time Jaiswal turned back, the West Indies fielder’s throw had found him short of his crease.
The dismissal was met with visible dejection from the 23-year-old, who was seen exchanging heated words with Gill, repeatedly telling him that the single was “his call” and that the captain should have run along. Jaiswal’s clear frustration led to the on-field umpire having to intervene and ask him to leave the field.
Jaiswal Brushes Aside Incident as “Part of the Game”
Despite the heartbreaking end to what was a masterclass innings, Jaiswal showed maturity when asked about the incident after stumps on Day 2.
“It’s a part of the game. So it’s fine,” Jaiswal said, brushing aside the run-out while speaking to the host broadcaster.
While Jaiswal insisted it was his call to run, analysis of the replay suggested a case of total miscommunication, with Gill never showing interest in the quick single, which was a clear risk, especially so early in the day’s play.
A Quest for Long Innings
The innings was the fifth time in Jaiswal’s nascent Test career that he has crossed the 150-run mark. Reflecting on his approach, the opener emphasised his desire to bat for long periods.
“I always try to play as long as I can. I just think that if I am out there and take it forward, I can play as long as I can. Early on, there was movement. I was thinking if I bat for one hour and then after that, it will be easy for me to score runs,” he stated.
“There is always this thought of what I can achieve and what can be my goal and the team’s goals. But it is important to stay in the present. It is just about ensuring that I take it long if I am in,” he added.
Jaiswal’s 175, alongside a century from Gill, provided the platform for India to declare their first innings at a commanding 518/5. At stumps on Day 2, West Indies had reached 140/4, still trailing the hosts by 378 runs, with Ravindra Jadeja taking three of the four wickets to fall.