India declare 518/5, West Indies trail by 378 at Delhi Test

India declare 518/5, West Indies trail by 378 at Delhi Test
by Kaius Braxton Oct, 11 2025

When Shubman Gill, captain of India national cricket team, declared the innings at 518/5 on Day 2 of the second Test, the visitors were left staring at 140/4, a 378‑run deficit that could force the follow‑on. The drama unfolded at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, 11 October 2025, under a clear sky that seemed to favour the hosts.

Day 2 Summary

India resumed their first innings at 382/3 after the tea break. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was run‑out for just two runs in the 108th over, bringing the score to 384/4. The quick‑fire cameo from all‑rounder Nitish Reddy added 49 runs off 58 balls before Jayden Seales dismissed him.

Gill then partnered with wicket‑keeper Dhruv Jurel for a 98‑run stand that took the total past 500. Gill’s 154 came off 185 deliveries, laced with 20 fours and two sixes – his fifth century of the calendar year.

At the end of the day, the hosts declared at 518/5 in the 142nd over, a figure that put the West Indies cricket team under serious pressure.

West Indies’ Response

West Indies opened their reply at 1:30 PM IST. Openers John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul tried to steady the ship. Campbell fell for 15, caught by a fielding stand‑in, while Chanderpaul forged a 66‑run partnership with Alick Athanaze.

Ravindra Jadeja, who had been chipping in with the bat, turned the tide with the ball. He dismissed Athanaze for 41, then removed Chanderpaul for 45 and captain Roston Chase for 12. His figures read 3/37 from 15 overs. Kuldeep Yadav added another wicket – Athanaze’s – finishing with 1/45 in 12 overs.

When the lights came on at 5:00 PM IST, the Caribbean side were 140/4, still needing 379 runs to avoid the follow‑on, the largest Day‑2 deficit they have faced in India since the 2018‑19 series.

Key Performances

  • Test cricket milestone: Gill’s 154, his fifth hundred of 2025.
  • Spin dominance: Jadeja 3/37, Yadav 1/45.
  • Partnership highlight: Chanderpaul and Athanaze added 66 runs for the second wicket.
  • India’s declaration: 518/5 after 142 overs – a 203‑run lead from the first Test.
  • West Indies’ early loss: Campbell c Sarfaraz Khan b Jadeja for 15.

Series Context

This match is part of a two‑match series that counts toward the 2023‑2025 ICC World Test Championship. The first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad saw India win by 203 runs, giving them a 1‑0 edge. The West Indies, currently ranked seventh in the ICC Test table, are looking to claw back to stay within striking distance of the top‑four spots that guarantee a place in the championship final.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has highlighted the importance of the series for nurturing young talent, especially the emerging spin trio of Jadeja, Yadav and the leg‑spinner Shardul Thakur, who is yet to make his debut.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) chief executive Robin Singh said, "We respect the Indian side, but we have the depth to bounce back. The pitch will ease a bit tomorrow, and we’ll look to build a partnership that can erase the deficit."

What Lies Ahead

Day 3 begins at 9:30 AM IST on Sunday, 12 October. The West Indies will need a partnership of at least 200 runs to avoid the follow‑on. If they manage that, the match could stretch into an exciting fourth‑day chase. Should they fall short, India will enforce the follow‑on and likely wrap the series by the fifth day.

Analysts predict that the spin‑friendly conditions at Arun Jaitley Stadium will continue to reward the Indian bowlers. Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid noted, "Delhi’s pitch traditionally offers turn after the tea break. If West Indies don’t settle early, the follow‑on is almost inevitable."

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 378‑run lead affect India’s chances of winning the series?

A lead of that size puts India in a commanding position. Even if West Indies avoid the follow‑on, they will still need a massive third‑innings total to set a target. Historically, teams with a 300+ run advantage after two days have won over 80% of the time in Test cricket.

What are the key factors that could enable West Indies to avoid the follow‑on?

A solid opening partnership of 100+ runs, coupled with a middle‑order blitz from players like Shai Hope or Vatsal Patidar, could erase the deficit. Additionally, disciplined batting against spin will be crucial, as the pitch is expected to deteriorate further.

Who are the standout performers for India so far?

Shubman Gill’s 154 anchored the innings, while Ravindra Jadeja’s three‑wicket haul turned the tide for the bowlers. Kuldeep Yadav’s early breakthrough also helped maintain pressure on the West Indian top order.

What does this match mean for the ICC World Test Championship standings?

A win for India will secure them full points from the series, solidifying their place in the top four. West Indies, meanwhile, risk slipping further down the table unless they pull off a comeback.

When and where will the next Test in the series be played?

The series concludes with the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. If needed, a tie‑breaker will not be scheduled; the championship points are decided solely by this match.