India take on the West Indies in the second and final Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium (Feroz Shah Kotla) in Delhi. The match starts Friday, October 10. The home team already lead the series 1-0 after beating their opponents in the first match by an innings and 140 runs in Ahmedabad. The visitors failed to meet expectations and crumbled before a strong Indian bowling unit, handing the game to the home team.
The West Indies must have worked hard on their batting skills in the gap between these two matches. They will aim to put up a better showing in the second Test. Captain Roston Chase lamented the lack of quality pitches and training facilities in the Caribbean after the defeat in Ahmedabad. However, his players need to find quick solutions if they are to win this match and draw level in the series. India, for their part, appear to have covered all bases. They are among the strongest they have ever been in years. Under Shubman Gill’s captaincy and Gautam Gambhir’s coaching, the Men in Blue seem confident of touching the stars.
For the West Indies, mastering spin will be crucial. If they cannot handle the way the Indian tweakers bowl, they will struggle. However, several batters showed grit in the first Test, and their fans will expect more here. Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, and skipper Chase must capitalize on early starts and post big scores. For their bowling, the Windies must stick to their plans and bowl to the right areas. Only then can they prevent India from posting another 400-plus total, as in the first Test.
Predicted Teams
IND: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
WI: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, John Campbell, Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk), Roston Chase (c), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Johann Layne, Jayden Seales.
Key Players
Ravindra Jadeja (IND): All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja remains one of the best players for India in Test cricket. He is known for his versatility with both bat and ball. The Saurashtra cricketer is also the team’s vice-captain in the absence of the injured Rishabh Pant. Jadeja scored a century in the last match and earned the player of the match award. On turning pitches, his left-arm orthodox spin becomes unplayable due to his accuracy.
Shai Hope (WI): Wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope can surely take the Windies out of their current mess. However, he needs to bat at least in the top four if he is to make an impact. He played as low as number six in Ahmedabad. Hope is a classical Test batter who plays each ball on its merit. He is perhaps the only Windies batter who can counter India’s spinners with his patience and determination.
Match Prediction
India are the favourites to win this match. Sadly, the quality of the West Indies outfit is just below par. They are not expected to put up much of a challenge. There are hardly any experienced batters in the Windies’ lineup to counter the turn and bounce generated by the Indian spinners, and this will hurt them. However, the same inexperience and youth could help them work wonders by seeking new challenges in the bowling department. That is what Chase will hope for. Still, India should be able to win.
