India seal a comprehensive 2-0 series victory in Delhi
India completed a 7-wicket win over the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Day 5 of the second Test, sealing a dominant 2-0 series triumph. KL Rahul struck the winning runs as India chased a modest target of 121, riding on a patient partnership between Rahul and captain Shubman Gill, who had taken over the reins after a testing tour in England. The result marked Shubman Gill’s first series win as captain and signified a strong response from the hosts after some earlier wobbliness in England.
Rahul and Sudharsan guide the chase
After an early setback for Jaiswal, Rahul and Sai Sudharsan steadied the innings with a measured, risk-free approach. Sudharsan, who spoke after the match about the personal growth from this series, enjoyed a brief but influential stay before falling in the chase. Rahul, meanwhile, reached a well-timed half-century and, along with Gill, paced the chase to a successful conclusion. The duo’s restraint contrasted with the aggressive intent shown at times by Gill, who later became part of a two-into-one finish as India moved close to victory.
Gill’s leadership and the India bowling surge
Gill’s innings in providing the spark to India’s chase was complemented by a disciplined batting display from Rahul, with the pair calmly steering India toward the target. On the bowling front, Kuldeep Yadav’s 8-wicket haul across the match was a defining factor, exploiting the surface’s low bounce and turning conditions to keep the West Indies in check after their spirited fight on day four. Siraj and the rest of the attack provided the early breakthroughs, ensuring India’s dominance from the start of the first innings. Kuldeep’s wicket-taking spell highlighted India’s ability to leverage spin on turning tracks, even when moisture offered some early assistance to seamers.
West Indies’ fight back and the Delhi pitch
The visitors produced admirable resistance in the first half of the match, with John Campbell and Shai Hope starring in a 177-run stand that tested India’s plans. Campbell’s 177, his first Test century, and Hope’s measured knock showed the potential for this West Indies side to adapt under pressure. The pitch in Delhi, described as better than expected for much of the match, offered something for both departments, with spinners beginning to extract some turn. Despite the comeback, West Indies could not sustain the pressure and fell short as India closed in on victory.
Looking ahead: India’s tested depth and future fixtures
With this series in the books, India will shift focus to the next challenge, as Shubman Gill and his team aim to build on this momentum. The consistency of players who starred in England, such as Sudharsan and Gill, comes as a positive sign for India’s longer-term goals. For West Indies, there is encouragement from the second Test performance to carry into future series, with coaching staff likely to emphasize building confidence and depth to cope with rotating surfaces abroad.
Key moments and takeaways
- Gill’s leadership role marked his first series win as captain.
- Rahul’s timely fifty set up the run chase, with Sudharsan contributing before a dismissal stopped his unbeaten effort.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s eight-wicket haul anchored India’s bowling effort and sealed the momentum shift.
- India maintained a calm, calculated chase, avoiding risky shots as they closed in on victory.
That’s all from Delhi for now. Stay with us for the presentation and post-match analysis as India celebrate a well-earned series win. The road ahead includes a challenging lineup, with South Africa expected to test India’s mettle in the upcoming fixtures.
