India aim to cement WTC advantage in Delhi
India travel to the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi for the second Test against the West Indies with a clear target: collect another chunk of World Test Championship (WTC) points and extend their advantage in the standings. After a dominant win in Ahmedabad, India will seek to maintain momentum on a dry, turn-friendly surface that could expose any nerves in the West Indies batting lineup.
The broader storyline centers on the West Indies’ self-styled mission to resurrect their cricketing fortunes. In Delhi, they hope a better batting plan and sharper bowling will help them avoid a quick finish and mount a more meaningful challenge to the home side. The visiting team has openly embraced the idea of revival, with a star-studded panel of former greats visiting the camp and offering encouragement. Yet on-field results will determine whether MWIGA becomes a longer-term project or remains a glimmer in the eye of Caribbean supporters.
Delhi pitch and the tactical chess
The Delhi pitch is traditional for the venue, with the hope of offering something for spinners as the game wears on. India’s batters will look to seize the initiative early, while West Indies must stubbornly bat through the first two sessions to set a credible target. For India, rotating the lineup and continuing with a settled XI will be the message from the dugout as they chase another property of a strong team: consistency in performance across both departments of the game.
Key players and team selection
The spotlight remains on young Sai Sudharsan as he searches for form after a modest start to the Delhi Test and a lean run of scores across seven innings in the series. India captain Shubman Gill has backed his teammates, emphasizing that not every match will produce hundreds but opportunities must be seized to build confidence and momentum. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s role could widen if the opportunity arises, with the left-hander needing to translate potential into runs at the top of the order.
For the West Indies, the challenge is balancing aggression with patience. New England-style resilience will be tested as the visitors attempt to post a competitive total and then apply pressure with the ball. Jediah Blades could return, offering an extra left-arm option to trouble India’s right-hand batters, while the rest of the squad will rely on captain Roston Chase to marshal their resources in testing conditions.
World Test Championship implications
The second Test carries significant WTC implications. India sit in a strong position on the ladder, with every win contributing to a higher chance of a spot in the finals. For West Indies, every game matters, not only for pride but for sustaining a viable path back into the championship frame. The outcome in New Delhi could influence strategies in future series as teams recalibrate their approaches to the challenging Indian conditions.
What to expect on matchday
Expect a tight, attritional start with both sides prioritizing survival and discipline in the early sessions. If India bowls with rhythm and discipline, the hosts could apply a steady squeeze, forcing the West Indies to chase runs. Conversely, if the visitors can navigate the initial phase, they may post a total that demands a based-on-conditions response from the Indian line-up. Either way, this contest will be decided by accuracy, patience, and the ability to adapt to a surface that is likely to offer something for the spinners as the game progresses.
When: India vs West Indies, 2nd Test, October 10-14, 2025, 9:30 AM IST
Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
Predicted XI and tactical notes
India: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.
West Indies: John Campbell, Tagnarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, Khary Pierre, Jomel Warrican, Johann Layne/Jediah Blades, Jayden Seales.
Did you know?
- West Indies last beat India in a Test in 2002 – 26 Tests ago.
- India’s last Delhi Test loss was in 1987; they have since won 11 and drawn two at the venue.
- Recent Delhi fixtures saw Ravindra Jadeja’s remarkable 7/42 in 2023 against Australia.
- West Indies openers have been unable to post a 50-plus stand in their last 13 India Tests.
Quotes to watch
“Not every match, everyone is going to score a 100,” said Shubman Gill, underscoring the need for patience and development in the young lineup. Roston Chase added that legends believe in the revival process and the team must keep faith even when results aren’t favorable.
With two Tests in the series and a longer road to redemption for the West Indies, Delhi promises to offer a stern test of character, skill, and strategic thinking. For India, the path remains clear: press the advantage in WTC points while shaping a confident, adaptable side ready for the challenges ahead.
