India vs West Indies 2nd Test: Rahul’s Fifty Seals Victory as Hosts Complete Series Whitewash on Day 5

The morning sun over Delhi witnessed KL Rahul orchestrate India’s triumph as the hosts secured a commanding seven-wicket victory within the first hour of play on Day 5, completing a 2-0 series whitewash over West Indies in the India vs West Indies 2nd Test.

Chasing a modest 121, India required just 58 more runs at the start of proceedings, with Rahul’s unbeaten 58 proving decisive despite late resistance from the Caribbean bowlers.

From Ignominy to Respectability: West Indies’ Journey

The contrast between where West Indies began this tour and where they finished tells a compelling story of redemption. A team that suffered the humiliation of being bowled out for 27 in New Zealand before arriving in India concluded their campaign with a gutsy 390 in their follow-on innings—a testament to growing resilience even in defeat.

The numbers reveal West Indies’ dramatic improvement. After batting barely 90 overs combined in Ahmedabad, they nearly doubled that in Delhi’s first innings alone and then produced an extraordinary rearguard action spanning 118.5 overs when following on. That this match extended to Day 5—after the Ahmedabad encounter concluded inside three days—demonstrated the tourists’ enhanced application.

Rahul’s Composed Chase Anchors Victory

Beginning the final day at 66 for 1, India appeared destined for a routine victory. However, West Indies captain Roston Chase had other ideas, striking twice in the morning session to inject drama into what seemed a foregone conclusion.

B Sai Sudharsan, whose position at No. 3 remains under scrutiny despite his first-innings 87, fell to a loose drive that resulted in a spectacular slip catch by Shai Hope. The dismissal might have planted seeds of doubt about his place in the batting order moving forward.

Shubman Gill, eager to expedite proceedings, launched an aggressive assault on Chase, plundering a six and four in quick succession. But his impatience proved his undoing when he mistimed an ambitious stroke against his opposite number, skying the ball for a simple catch.

Rahul’s Masterclass in Patience and Power

Where others showed urgency, Rahul displayed exemplary temperament. Starting with resolute defense, he gradually shifted gears, using his feet magnificently against the spin duo operating from both ends. His innings featured two authoritative sixes—a straight loft against Khary Pierre and a commanding slog-sweep off Jomel Warrican, the very bowler who had dismissed him in the first innings. The second six carried particular significance, a statement of intent and redemption.

Dhruv Jurel provided steady support as Rahul steered India home, the partnership extinguishing any lingering hopes West Indies harbored of an unlikely escape.

Historic Milestones and Records Tumble

India’s victory carried multiple layers of significance beyond the series result:

• Tenth consecutive win over West Indies, establishing complete dominance in the head-to-head rivalry
• 122nd Test victory overall, surpassing South Africa to claim third position on the all-time Test wins list
• First series victory for captain Shubman Gill after drawing 2-2 in England earlier
• WTC boost: The win elevated India to 61.9% points on the World Test Championship table, maintaining their position at No. 3

Statistical Supremacy: India’s Dominant Performers

Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the series’ bowling star with 12 wickets, his variations proving too much for West Indies’ batsmen across both Tests. His five-wicket haul in the first innings (5-82) and three crucial strikes in the follow-on (3-104) underlined his growing importance in India’s spin attack.

West Indies’ Fightback: Too Little, Too Late

Despite the eventual outcome, West Indies’ second-innings resistance deserved recognition. John Campbell’s fighting 115 and Shai Hope’s century (103) provided rare moments of celebration. Justin Greaves’ unbeaten 50 alongside the tail showcased commendable grit, with the final-wicket partnership frustrating India by pushing the lead past 100.

Throughout Day 4, West Indies occupied the crease for extended periods, forcing India’s bowlers to toil for 200 consecutive overs after declaring their first innings. The variable bounce toward the end—with the odd delivery keeping low—added to India’s challenges but ultimately couldn’t prevent the inevitable.

The Bigger Picture: India’s Test Ascendancy

This series victory reinforced India’s status as a Test powerhouse. Gill’s maiden series win as captain, coming after the drawn England series, provided validation of his leadership credentials. The team’s ability to enforce a follow-on—something increasingly rare in modern Test cricket—and then defend effectively demonstrated their multi-dimensional strength.

For West Indies, the journey from 27 all out to 390 represents progress, however small. Their improved batting application in Delhi offers a foundation to build upon, even if the gulf in class remained evident throughout.

Match Summary

India 518/5 declared (Yashasvi Jaiswal 175, Shubman Gill 129*, Sai Sudharsan 87; Jomel Warrican 3-98) and 124/3 (KL Rahul 58*, Roston Chase 2-36)

defeated

West Indies 248 (Alick Athanaze 41, Shai Hope 36, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 34; Kuldeep Yadav 5-82) and 390 (following on) (John Campbell 115, Shai Hope 103, Justin Greaves 50*; Jasprit Bumrah 3-44, Kuldeep Yadav 3-104)

by seven wickets

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