New Delhi, oct 14
KL Rahul’s composed unbeaten half-century guided India to a 2-0 series sweep over the West Indies, as the hosts wrapped up the second and final Test inside the first hour on the fifth morning at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Chasing 121, India resumed on 63 for 1 and, despite a couple of hiccups, crossed the finish line comfortably to seal a commanding seven-wicket victory.
The victory marks India’s first Test series win under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, following the drawn 2-2 result in England earlier this year. Though the margin suggests an easy victory, India were to earn it in New Delhi and defeat West Indies for the tenth straight time in Tests.
Rahul (58 not out), resuming overnight alongside Dhruv Jurel, anchored the innings with composure, mixing solid defence with deft footwork against the spinners. He found an able ally in Jurel, and the pair ensured there were no major alarms, even as the West Indies bowlers kept things tight early on.
Roston Chase provided brief resistance, removing Sai Sudharsan with a sharp catch at slip, but India were never in real trouble. Shubman Gill, promoting himself up the order, played with intent before falling to a mistimed stroke, but the target was too small to trouble the hosts.
The result capped off a series where the West Indies showed significant improvement with the bat after their struggles in Ahmedabad. Having lasted just 44 and 45 overs in the first Test, they doubled their resistance in Delhi, posting 390 in the second innings, a remarkable turnaround for a side that was bowled out for 27 before arriving in India. John Campbell and Shai Hope both struck centuries, while Justin Greaves’ 50 and his 79-run stand with Jayden Seales for the final wicket frustrated India deep into Day 4.
Kuldeep Yadav’s match haul of eight wickets and Jasprit Bumrah’s incisive bursts eventually broke West Indies’ resistance, setting up the modest chase. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early dismissal in pursuit of quick runs gave the visitors a brief glimmer, but Rahul’s steady hand, along with a few notable contributions, ensured India coasted home to earn 12 valuable World Test Championship points.
Brief Scores: India 518/5 decl. (Yashasvi Jaiswal 175, Shubman Gill 129 not out, Sai Sudharsan 87; Jomel Warrican 3-98) & 124/3 (KL Rahul 58 not out) beat West Indies 248 (Alick Athinaze 41, Shai Hope 36, Tagnarine Chanderpaul 34 ) & 390 (f/o) (John Campbell 113, Shai Hope 103, Justin Greaves 50; Jasprit Bumrah 3-44, Kuldeep Yadav 3-104) by 7 wickets.
