Gavaskar questions West Indies’ missing firepower
During the opening session of the second Test between India and West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, a moment of live broadcast tension unfolded when Sunil Gavaskar made a pointed observation about the visiting team’s bowling tactics. The former India captain was surprised by the absence of short-pitched deliveries from the West Indies pacers early on with the new ball and turned to fellow commentator Ian Bishop for an explanation.
“It’s been six overs with the new ball and not a single bouncer from the West Indies pacers. What is happening, Ian? What happened to the West Indies pace attack?” Gavaskar asked Ian Bishop live on air during commentary.
The question caught Bishop off guard, leaving him momentarily speechless. Before he could respond, Harsha Bhogle, also in the commentary box, stepped in to lighten the mood.
“He’s in the commentary box, it’s a bit tough to bowl a bounce from here,” Bhogle said with a smile, prompting laughter and easing the moment.
Bishop eventually replied with a brief comeback: “I’m sure we will see one from the likes of Seales.”
However, no bouncers were forthcoming from Jayden Seales or Anderson Phillip during that first session, as the Indian openers settled in comfortably.
Jaiswal and Sudharsan put India in control early
India capitalised on the tame start from the West Indies bowlers, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul putting on a 58-run opening stand after Rohit Sharma opted to bat first. Jaiswal, in particular, stood out with his balance of aggression and composure, showcasing an array of crisp strokes including a standout straight drive off Anderson Phillip.
Rahul contributed 38 before falling to Jomel Warrican, but the momentum remained firmly with the hosts as Sai Sudharsan joined Jaiswal at the crease. The pair stitched together a 193-run stand, with Sudharsan falling short of a maiden Test century on 87. Jaiswal, meanwhile, reached his seventh Test hundred.
At 251/3, captain Shubman Gill joined Jaiswal, and India’s dominance continued into the following sessions.
Bhogle, fans, and the missing star
While the on-air exchange captured viewers’ attention, the atmosphere in the stadium also told a story. Chants of “Kohli, Kohli” echoed through the stands in the first session as fans longed for the presence of the local favourite. But Jaiswal’s elegant innings quickly shifted focus, with the crowd later chanting his name as he approached his century.
As the sun climbed and India’s total mounted, the crowd’s energy mirrored the team’s control on the field.
Match update: India dominant at stumps on Day 3
India remains firmly in command after three days of play in Delhi. Batting first, they posted a massive 518/5 declared, with Jaiswal scoring 175 and Shubman Gill unbeaten on 129. In response, West Indies were bowled out for 248, with Kuldeep Yadav claiming a five-wicket haul.
Forced to follow on, the West Indies showed more resilience in their second innings. At stumps on Day 3, they reached 173/2, with John Campbell unbeaten on 87 and Shai Hope not out on 66. They trail by 97 runs, needing to erase the deficit to avoid an innings defeat on Day 4.
