Kuldeep’s Fifer, Warrican Impresses; TOP 5 Best Bowling Performances From India vs West Indies 2nd Test
The Delhi Test between India and West Indies turned out to be a memorable one, not just for the batters who piled on runs but for the bowlers who made their mark in tough conditions. India sealed the series 2-0 with a 7-wicket win on the fifth day of the second test.
While the pitch offered little help, a few standout spells showed class, patience, and skill. Here’s a look at the top five bowling performances from the second Test that shaped the match.
1. Kuldeep Yadav’s Magical Fifer in the First Innings
Kuldeep Yadav was the star of India’s bowling effort in the first innings. On a surface that didn’t have much for the spinners, he found turn, flight, and drift to baffle the West Indian batters. He picked up five wickets, breaking the visitors’ resistance when they looked set for a big partnership.
His dismissal of Shai Hope, cleaned up by a ball that straightened after pitching, was a perfect example of his control and variation. Kuldeep’s spell of 5 for 72 not only gave India a huge first-innings lead but also showed why he remains India’s go-to spinner in Tests.
2. Jomel Warrican’s Fightback Spell of 3 for 98
While West Indies struggled with the ball for most of India’s innings, Jomel Warrican stood out as their lone warrior. The left-arm spinner bowled tirelessly and was the only one who looked capable of troubling the Indian batters. He dismissed KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, and Nitish Reddy, each wicket coming from clever variations in turn and flight.
His ball to dismiss Rahul turned a massive 8.1 degrees, a delivery that would have troubled any batter. Warrican’s performance was one of character and constancy on a day when every other bowler looked out of ideas.
3. Jasprit Bumrah’s Second Innings Burst (3 for 44)
When India needed breakthroughs late in the game, Jasprit Bumrah delivered once again. Using the old ball to perfection, he found reverse swing and control, removing key batters with precision. His delivery to dismiss Khary Pierre, a jeffer from round the wicket that straightened and clipped the off stump, was pure class.
Bumrah then got Warrican and Phillip in quick succession, reminding everyone why he’s one of the best in the business. His 3 for 44 wrapped up the tail and ensured India didn’t have to chase a big target.
4. Kuldeep Yadav’s Follow-Up Act (3 for 104)
After his first-innings five-wicket haul, Kuldeep continued to weave his magic in the second innings as well. Though the West Indies batters showed much better resistance, he still managed to pick up three crucial wickets. His dismissal of Tevin Imlach, trapped leg-before by a ball that turned sharply back in, was a repeat of his first-innings mastery. Kuldeep also dismissed Roston Chase and Jayden Seales, playing a key role in breaking partnerships when India were running out of ideas. With eight wickets in the match, he deservedly took home the Player of the Match award.
5. Ravindra Jadeja’s Early Strikes (3 for 37)
Jadeja’s contribution came at a time when India needed early breakthroughs to build pressure. He was accurate as ever, finishing with 3 for 37 in the first innings. He dismissed Tagnarine Chanderpaul with a perfectly pitched delivery that turned just enough, and also sent back Roston Chase with a simple caught-and-bowled. Even on a pitch with minimal help, Jadeja’s discipline and persistence stood out. His control from one end allowed the other bowlers, especially Kuldeep, to attack from the other.
