India Close to Victory in Second Test Against West Indies

New Delhi, Oct 13 (PTI) - In a gripping contest on a typically unresponsive sub-continental pitch, the Indian bowling unit overcame a stern examination to position themselves on the brink of a decisive 2-0 series triumph over a resilient West Indies on the fourth day of the second Test, held on Monday.

Beneath the floodlights, India stands poised to complete the chase with a mere 58 runs needed on the final day, having reached 63 for 1 in their pursuit of a modest target of 121.

Jasprit Bumrah (3/44 in 17.5 overs) was instrumental, while Kuldeep Yadav (3/104 in 29 overs) orchestrated the middle-order collapse. Ravindra Jadeja (1/102 in 33 overs), Mohammed Siraj (2/43 in 15 overs), and Washington Sundar (1/80 in 23 overs) also played vital roles as the Indian bowlers toiled for over 118.5 overs to dismiss the West Indies for 390.

KL Rahul (25 not out) and Sai Sudharsan (30 not out) were deliberate in their approach after Yashasvi Jaiswal departed cheaply for 8, caught in the deep. With the pitch offering little assistance to either spin or pace, the Indian bowlers' persistence was eventually rewarded. Post lunch, Siraj dealt a critical blow with the second new ball, paving the way for Kuldeep Yadav's crucial breakthroughs in the lower-middle order.

The West Indies' resistance was led by John Campbell (115 off 199 balls) and Shai Hope (103 off 214 balls) with a substantial 177-run partnership for the third wicket, exemplifying their fight. However, the Indian attack prevailed following the second new ball, dismantling the opposition with precision.

Despite a spirited 79-run stand for the last wicket between Jayden Seales (32) and Justin Greaves (50 not out), the West Indies had to concede the upper hand to India, ensuring play on the fifth day.

The match offered scant consolation for the visitors, except for two outstanding centuries that pressed India into a second innings.

On a track showing minimal wear or deterioration even on the fourth day at Feroz Shah Kotla, the Indian bowlers remained undeterred, capitalizing on batsmen's poor shot selections rather than unplayable deliveries. Even broadcasters appeared disinterested in the monotony, choosing instead to pivot discussion toward the upcoming ODI series against Australia.

Morning play saw Campbell achieve a career-first Test century, launching Ravindra Jadeja for a six over cow corner. However, his tactics faltered as a reverse sweep left him leg-before, following a DRS check. Despite this, Roston Chase (40) and Hope persisted, adding 51 for the fourth wicket, suggesting the West Indies could pose a daunting final innings target.

Nevertheless, post the 80th over, Bumrah and Siraj, exploiting the new ball, astutely unsettled Hope with well-directed short deliveries, reinforcing India's dominance despite placid pitch conditions.

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