IND vs WI 2nd Test: Jaiswal's majestic ton powers India to 318-2 on Day 1

Five of Yashasvi Jaiswal's seven Test centuries have been 150 or more, and all three of his home hundreds have crossed that mark

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On a placid, batting-friendly surface at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Yashasvi Jaiswal blended composure with authority to steer India to 318 for 2 at stumps on Day 1 of the second Test against the West Indies. The left-hander made full use of the easy conditions to craft an unbeaten 173, reaching his seventh Test century in just 145 balls, laced with 16 fours — but, uncharacteristically, not a single six despite the short boundaries at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground.

 

Jaiswal first shared a 58-run stand with KL Rahul (38 off 54) before stitching a commanding 193-run partnership with B Sai Sudharsan (87 off 165). At stumps, he was unbeaten alongside skipper Shubman Gill, as India closed the day in complete control.

 

Why this story matters

 

For Jaiswal, this knock adds yet another glowing chapter to his rapidly evolving Test career. The 23-year-old has now crossed fifty or more 19 times in 26 Tests, underscoring his remarkable consistency and maturity at the top of the order.  India assistant coach Sitansu Kotak heaped praises on Jaiswal and explained how the Mumbai batter controlled his natural instincts and still manage to remain unbeaten at stumps on Day 1.  "You all know he’s very aggressive and likes to score runs quickly, depending on the wicket. The way he adapted his shots to the bounce and pace of the wicket was brilliant. For me, the most important thing was his determination to play a big innings," Kotak said.  "He’s still batting, but the way he controlled his aggression and still reached around 173–175 shows how well he batted. His shot selection — especially square of the wicket — was excellent. Players at this level always assess conditions, the wicket, bounce, and bowlers, and then target areas accordingly," India assistan coach added.

 

It was also a day of consolidation for India after a steady start. On a surface offering little to the bowlers, the home side’s disciplined approach ensured they capitalised fully after Rahul’s dismissal in the first session, never allowing the West Indies an opening.

 

Jaiswal later moved serenely to 150 off just 224 balls, reaffirming his appetite for big scores. Remarkably, five of his seven Test centuries have been 150 or more, and all three of his home hundreds have crossed that mark. 

 

Session 1: Rahul’s bright start cut short by Warrican’s brilliance

 

India’s openers began cautiously, weathering the early overs from Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip, who bowled economically but failed to exploit the new ball. The pair added 58 runs before KL Rahul fell to a moment of misjudgment against Jomel Warrican.

 

Rahul looked fluent, striking five fours and a six, including a commanding pull off Khary Pierre over deep mid-wicket. Yet, just as he looked set for a big one, Warrican deceived him with a delivery that held its line and bounced sharply. Rahul, advancing down the track, was beaten in flight, and Tevin Imlach completed a sharp stumping.

 

Jaiswal, meanwhile, looked solid in defence and alert around his off-stump. A steer between gully and point drew applause, while a straight drive off Phillip oozed timing. His patience early on — leaving deliveries outside off and resisting expansive strokes — set the tone for the rest of his innings.

 

At lunch, India were 94 for 1, with Jaiswal (40) and Sudharsan (16) at the crease.

 

Session 2: Jaiswal dominates, Sudharsan flourishes

 

If the morning belonged to restraint, the afternoon was pure control. India added 126 runs in 30 overs without taking undue risk. Jaiswal reached his seventh Test hundred, his celebration — a kiss to the helmet badge followed by a heart gesture — reflecting both pride and joy.

 

It was another clinical display from a batter already making history. Only one Indian has scored more Test hundreds before turning 24, and only Graeme Smith matched his tally as a Test opener at that age.

 

Sudharsan, at No. 3, justified the team’s faith with an assured 87, his second Test fifty. He capitalised on loose deliveries, driving and cutting with authority. A streak of fortune came when he was dropped on 71, his only false shot in an otherwise flawless 107-ball stay. His poise and placement stood out, marking his innings as one of maturity rather than aggression.  India assistant coach revealed how Sudharsan used his backfoot play to great effect on opening day of second Test.  "Coming from Tamil Nadu, he’s used to playing on turning wickets, so he’s pretty good against spin. His back-foot play is one of his strengths — he plays shots off the back foot that not many players attempt. Most batters prefer playing such deliveries on the front foot. The only thing we’ve been working on is cutting out his tendency to play some very full balls from the back foot. He’s aware of it and working on it." 

 

The West Indian attack lost discipline after lunch, leaking runs at a rapid rate. Almost every over offered a boundary ball, and India plundered 81 runs in the first hour of the session. By tea, they had moved to 175 for 1 in 45 overs, with both batters well set.

 

Session 3: Sudharsan falls short of maiden Test ton 

In the final session of Day 1, Sudharsan registered his highest individual Test score of 87 runs in his nascent Test career. The southpaw failed to score his maiden century as he was caught on backfoot while playing a good length delivery against Jomel Warrican, who trapped 23-year-old in front of wicket. 

 

Gill looked in complete control when he joined Jaiswal at the middle. He got off the mark with a boundary towards leg side.