Sandy Verma
Tezzbuzz|12-10-2025
The second Test between India and West Indiesheld at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi from October 10 to 14, 2025, has been a thrilling encounter with dominant performances and resilient fighting spirits. India set a massive first innings score of 518 for 5 declared, anchored by century knocks from Yashasvi jaiswal (175) and Shubman Gill (129*). However, a spectacular bowling display by India’s Kuldeep Yadav and a determined batting resurgence by West Indies on Day 3 have kept the contest alive and exciting.
Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep was the star with the ball on Day 3 as he ran through the West Indies batting lineup with a brilliant five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 82 in 26.5 overs. Kuldeep’s spell was a masterpiece of control, guile, and variations, even when the pitch offered little turn.
He dismantled the West Indies middle order with key dismissals including Shai Hope (36), Tevin Imlachand Justin Greaves in a decisive morning session burst. His deliveries drifted and turned sharply, beating the batters’ defenses repeatedly. Kuldeep became the fastest left-arm wrist spinner to claim five five-wicket hauls in Test cricket history, achieving this in just 15 Tests and equalling England’s Johnny Wardle’s record. His final wicket was a cleverly disguised googly that trapped Jayden Seales lbw, sealing the West Indies innings for 248. India then enforced the follow-on, holding a commanding 270-run lead.
Following their first innings dismissal, West Indies began their second innings facing a significant deficit and the pressure of follow-on. However, opening batter Campbell and experienced middle-order hitter Hope launched a spirited fightback, putting on an impactful partnership that shifted momentum.
Campbell, unbeaten on 87 off 145 balls with expert timing, brought resilience and class to the crease, while Hope supported with a fluent 66 off 103 balls, marking his first Test fifty in six years. Their partnership was marked by aggressive yet calculated stroke play with Campbell clearing the ropes twice and Hope hitting six boundaries and two sixes.
This counterattack helped West Indies reach 173 for 2 after 49 overs on Day 3, reducing India’s lead to 97 runs. The duo’s aggressive approach unsettled the Indian bowlers and a few close calls for Campbell, saved by DRS on multiple occasions, added to the drama. This resurgence has injected hope into the West Indies camp to push the match into a fourth day and avoid an innings defeat, setting up a gripping conclusion to this Test series.
Also WATCH: Shubman Gill takes a sensational catch to dismiss Tagenarine Chanderpaul on Day 3 of the Delhi Test
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