West Indies Show Fight, But Trail India by 97 Runs at End of Day Three in Delhi

West Indies mounted their strongest resistance yet in the series, ending day three of the second Test in Delhi on 173 for 2, still trailing India by 97 runs after being asked to follow on. The highlight of the day was an unbroken 138-run stand between John Campbell (87*) and Shai Hope (66*), marking the highest partnership and individual scores for West Indies in 2025.

Earlier, India had enforced the follow-on after Kuldeep Yadav's five-wicket haul (5 for 82) helped bowl out West Indies for 248 in their first innings. Kuldeep’s performance was the standout on a slow, unresponsive pitch, as he used flight, drift, and subtle variations to beat the batters in the air and off the pitch. Four of his five wickets came either bowled or lbw — a testament to his control and deception.

India’s massive first-innings total of 518 for 5 declared, built on centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (175) and Shubman Gill (129*), and a composed 87 from debutant Sai Sudharsan, had already put West Indies on the back foot.

Kuldeep Dominates, But Resistance Emerges

Starting the day at 86 for 3, West Indies crumbled under pressure in their first innings despite a few starts. Hope was undone early by a beautiful delivery from Kuldeep that drifted in and beat his outside edge to clip the off stump. Tevin Imlach followed soon after, undone by sharp turn, while Justin Greaves perished to an ill-advised reverse sweep.

Despite the collapse to 175 for 8, the visitors found unlikely resistance in the form of Khary Pierre and Anderson Phillip. Their partnership of 34 runs stretched over 16.5 overs and ensured India had to work hard for the final wickets. Eventually, Bumrah’s reverse swing and Kuldeep’s persistence ended the innings.

India opted to enforce the follow-on midway through the third day, a decision that now invites scrutiny after a long grind on a benign surface. Jasprit Bumrah didn’t bowl in the first 32 overs of West Indies’ second innings, indicating India’s cautious approach to managing workloads.

West Indies Fight Back

The second innings began poorly for West Indies as Siraj removed Tagenarine Chanderpaul cheaply, and Washington Sundar produced a magical delivery to bowl Alick Athanaze — arguably West Indies' most dependable batter this tour.

However, from 35 for 2, Campbell and Hope stitched together a spirited and disciplined partnership. Campbell, making amends after a freak dismissal in the first innings, mixed caution with aggression, particularly targeting Kuldeep and Jadeja with sweeps and lofted drives. He reached his highest Test score and became the first West Indies half-centurion of the series.

Hope, meanwhile, combined elegance with control, scoring his first Test fifty in 31 innings. His shot selection was more measured, though he did slog-sweep Washington for six early in his innings.

As the day wore on, India’s fielding became lax, their bowling error-prone, and frustration crept in. Misfields, no-balls, and lack of intensity allowed West Indies to control the final session — their first won in the series.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s leg-breaks closed out the day, a clear sign that India were out of ideas and hoping for inspiration on a flat deck.

Day Three Summary:

• India: 518 for 5 dec

• West Indies 1st innings: 248 (Athanaze 41, Kuldeep 5-82)

• West Indies 2nd innings (follow-on): 173 for 2 at stumps

  • John Campbell: 87* (career-best)

  • Shai Hope: 66* (first 50 in 31 innings)

• India lead by 97 runs

With two days remaining and a tiring Indian bowling attack, the final outcome still favors the hosts, but West Indies have finally shown some grit — and in doing so, added a new layer of intrigue to the contest.