India National Cricket Team vs West Indies National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: In a tense yet controlled display at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, India are on the brink of securing a 2-0 series victory over West Indies in the second Test, with just 58 runs needed to clinch the win on Day 5. On the fourth day of the match, which began on October 10, 2025, the hosts reached 63 for 1 in 18 overs while chasing a modest target of 121, leaving the Caribbean side’s bowlers searching for breakthroughs as stumps were drawn.
Steady Chase Puts India in Command
Opening the innings after enforcing the follow-on, India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early for just 8 runs, but KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan steadied the ship with an unbroken partnership. Rahul, looking composed at the crease, smashed an unbeaten 54 off only 25 balls, including several boundaries that showcased his timing and placement. Sudharsan, equally assured, contributed 30 not out from 47 deliveries, ensuring no further alarms as the duo rotated the strike efficiently. With 90 overs still available and plenty of time on Day 5, India’s victory seems all but assured unless the West Indies spinners conjure magic on a wearing pitch.
The target of 121 came after West Indies managed a gritty 390 in their second innings, falling just short of pushing India into a more challenging scenario. This performance, however, couldn’t overshadow India’s dominant first-innings total of 518 for 5 declared, which set the tone for the match.
West Indies Fight Back in Second Innings, But Collapse Late
Forced to follow on after trailing by 270 runs, West Indies showed resilience with a fighting second innings, posting 390 all out to give India a narrow lead to chase. Opener John Campbell led the charge with a superb 115, his aggressive strokeplay putting pressure on the Indian attack early on. Captain Shai Hope followed suit, anchoring the innings with a patient 103 that highlighted his class and determination, ending a long wait for a big score.
Roston Chase added a crucial 40, while lower-order batsmen Justin Greaves (50 not out) and Jayden Seales (32) frustrated India with a stubborn 79-run stand for the final wicket, stretching the total beyond expectations. However, once the partnership broke, the innings folded quickly. India’s bowlers struck back decisively: Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav each claimed three wickets, with Mohammed Siraj picking up two. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar chipped in with one apiece, ensuring the lead remained manageable.
Dominant Bowling Seals First-Innings Lead for India
West Indies’ first innings ended at a disappointing 248 all out, handing India a substantial 270-run advantage. The visitors started poorly, with Campbell departing for 10 to Jadeja’s spin. Kirk Chandrapaul (34) and Alick Athanaze (41) offered some resistance, but the middle order crumbled. Hope managed 36, while skipper Chase was dismissed for a duck. Wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach (21) and Greaves (17) couldn’t stabilize, though Anderson Philip (24 not out) and Khary Pierre (23) added late runs.
Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer, claiming a five-wicket haul with figures of 5 for 82 from 26.5 overs, his variations on a turning track dismantling the batting lineup. Jadeja supported with three wickets, while Bumrah and Siraj each took one, underlining India’s spin-heavy strategy’s effectiveness in home conditions[1][9].
India’s Batting Masterclass Sets the Platform
Electing to bat first, India built a formidable 518 for 5 declared, powered by a record-breaking opening stand and contributions down the order. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 175 off 258 balls, featuring 22 fours, was a masterclass in patience and power, though he fell to a unfortunate run-out. Captain Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 129 from 196 deliveries, blending solid defense with 16 boundaries and two sixes to guide the team expertly.
KL Rahul (38) and Sai Sudharsan (87) built on the foundation, while Nitish Kumar Reddy injected momentum with 43 quick runs. Dhruv Jurel’s composed 44 not out at number seven further bolstered the total. West Indies’ lead spinner Jomel Warrican toiled for 3 for 98 in 34 overs, with Chase grabbing one wicket. Pierre was expensive, conceding 120 runs without success in 30 overs, as India’s batters dominated the bowling attack.
Outlook: India Poised for Clean Sweep
With the series already in the bag after a commanding win in the first Test, India look set to extend their unbeaten streak against West Indies, who have now lost 10 successive Test series to the hosts. The Caribbean team’s spirited second-innings effort showed promise, but India’s depth in batting and bowling proved too much. As Day 5 dawns, all eyes will be on whether Rahul and Sudharsan can finish the job swiftly or if West Indies can mount an unlikely comeback on a pitch offering variable bounce[3][7].
This victory would not only complete a perfect home series for Shubman Gill’s young side but also boost morale ahead of tougher challenges in the upcoming season.
