India vs England 4th Test Day 1 Report: A resilient Indian batting display saw the hosts reach 264 for 4 at stumps on Day 1 of the fourth Test against England after being put in to bat at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The spotlight belonged to debutant Sai Sudharsan, who calmly notched up a gritty 61 off 151 balls, soaking up pressure and showcasing immense maturity in the middle.
England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bowl under overcast conditions, hoping for early swing. But despite some initial movement, the Indian top order stood firm with three solid partnerships steering the hosts to a competitive first-day total.
Jaiswal-Rahul Give India Steady Start
Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul weathered the early spells from Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes, putting on a 94-run stand for the first wicket. Jaiswal, continuing his purple patch in the series, struck 10 crisp boundaries and a six in his 107-ball 58. His innings was laced with elegance, before being dismissed by spinner Liam Dawson—caught by Harry Brook at deep midwicket.
KL Rahul, playing his usual composed role, scored 46 from 98 balls before edging one off Woakes to slip. His dismissal at the stroke of lunch gave England a boost going into the break.
Sudharsan Stands Tall Amidst Quick Wickets
Making his Test debut, Sai Sudharsan walked in with nerves but left the day with applause. After a cautious start, he found his rhythm and rotated strike beautifully. His first 50 in Test cricket came in 134 balls—a patient and composed innings that held the middle order together.
Sudharsan’s partnerships with Shubman Gill (20 runs) and later with Rishabh Pant (72-run stand) gave India crucial stability. Gill, captaining the side, never looked settled and was dismissed for 12 by Ben Stokes, who struck again soon after to dismiss Sudharsan for 61.
Pant Retires Hurt; Jadeja-Thakur See Off Day
A moment of concern emerged when Rishabh Pant, who looked in sublime touch with a quick 37 off 48 balls including two fours and a six, retired hurt after appearing to pull a muscle while running between the wickets. His departure brought in Ravindra Jadeja, who ended the day unbeaten on 19 off 37 balls alongside Shardul Thakur (19* off 36), stitching a crucial unbroken 29-run partnership.
England’s bowling lacked venom on a pitch offering little. Ben Stokes was the pick with figures of 2 for 47, while Liam Dawson and Woakes picked up a wicket each. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, despite their pace, failed to break through.
Fall of Wickets:
- KL Rahul – 94/1 (29.6 overs)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 120/2 (40.1)
- Shubman Gill – 140/3 (49.1)
- Sai Sudharsan – 235/4 (73.5)
Summary at Stumps – Day 1:
India: 264/4 in 83 overs
- Sai Sudharsan – 61 (151)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 58 (107)
- KL Rahul – 46 (98)
- Rishabh Pant – 37* (retired hurt)
- Ravindra Jadeja – 19*
- Shardul Thakur – 19*
England Bowling:
- Ben Stokes: 14-2-47-2
- Chris Woakes: 17-4-43-1
- Liam Dawson: 15-1-45-1
- Jofra Archer: 16-2-44-0
- Brydon Carse: 16-1-60-0
- Joe Root: 5-0-19-0
What to Expect on Day 2?
With India in a strong position and Rishabh Pant’s injury status still unclear, much will depend on Jadeja and Thakur to push the score past 350. The second new ball, due early on Day 2, could tilt the momentum if England strikes early. But if the pitch stays docile and the sun shines, India could post a huge first-innings total.
