Yashasvi Jaiswal's 173* Powers India to 162/1 Lead Over West Indies

When Yashasvi Jaiswal, the opening batter for the Indian cricket team, smashed an unbeaten 173, India raced to 162/1 at stumps in the second Test matchIndia against the West Indies cricket team on October 10, 2025. The day belonged to the 23‑year‑old prodigy, whose innings turned the pitch into a runway for runs while the visitors struggled to find a foothold.

• 173* runs by Yashasvi Jaiswal (not out)
• India 162/1 at stumps (Day 1)
• Other major scores: Sai Sudharsan 71, KL Rahul 38
• Only wicket: KL Rahul, bowled by Khary Pierre
• West Indies captain: Darren Sammy

Background to the series

The West Indies are on a three‑match tour of India this autumn, a series billed as a litmus test for both sides ahead of the upcoming World Test Championship final. The first Test in Dharamshala ended in a high‑scoring draw, leaving the contest finely balanced. Momentum was clearly on India’s side heading into the second Test, played at an unnamed venue in the sub‑continent, where conditions favoured batsmen – flat pitches, generous bounce and a sun that baked the outfield.

Day 1: Jaiswal’s marathon innings

KL Rahul, the seasoned wicket‑keeper‑batter, walked out early and added a useful 38 before falling to a well‑timed delivery from Khary Pierre in the 16.2 over. But the real drama unfolded as Jaiswal settled in. The youngster stared down the new‑ball attack, dispatching off‑stump deliveries with "cracking shots" that sent the crowd into a frenzy. By tea, he had already crossed his half‑century, a moment described by the commentary as "stylishly done". After the interval, he kept the tempo, rotating the strike and finding boundaries with a frequency that left the West Indian bowlers "trudging onto the field". When the session ended, Jaiswal was unbeaten on 173, his second Test fifty and the first of his career on Indian soil. His partnership with middle‑order batsman Sai Sudharsan added 71 runs, pushing the total far beyond the expected 300‑plus mark.

Other contributions and wickets

Sudharsan’s 71 was a textbook example of a modern middle‑order player – he paced his innings, attacking soft deliveries and rotating the strike when needed. His boundary off a "gift" delivery from the West Indian pacer (identified in the broadcast as Jamal Warik, likely a mis‑pronunciation of a regular bowler) was a highlight of the session. Beyond the lone wicket of Rahul, the West Indies bowlers – spearheaded by captain Darren Sammy – struggled to find rhythm. In total they bowled 58 overs without another breakthrough, a fact underscored by the commentary’s observation that they were "toil‑ing". The only other notable moment was a brief spell from a spinner, who managed to extract just a single run off the bat before being rattled again by Jaiswan’s “very very well‑crafted” knock.

West Indies reaction and analysis

Post‑match, former Indian batsman and current Gujarat Titans batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised Jaiswal’s approach, calling it "brilliant" and noting that the youngster’s patience and shot selection were the keys to breaking the home side’s traditionally strong opening partnerships. Sammy, meanwhile, admitted the bowlers were “under pressure”, saying they needed to rethink their line and length before Day 2. The West Indian camp is expected to roll out a tighter, more aggressive attack, potentially bringing in the fast bowler Jayden Seales for a fresh burst of pace. Analysts on Willow.tv highlighted the stark contrast between the two sides’ batting conditions: while India enjoyed “good batting conditions” all day, the visitors appeared to be battling a slightly slower surface that offered little turn for spin.

Implications for the series

The early dominance gives India a psychological edge. A 162/1 lead after the first day of a Test is rarely overturned, especially when the top order is intact and the middle order is thriving. If Jaiswal can convert his massive score into a double‑century, India could post a mammoth total exceeding 600, putting the West Indies on the back foot. Conversely, the tourists still have a chance. A resurgent bowling spell on Day 2 could pickle the Indian middle order, and there are still 20 overs left in the innings before lunch tomorrow. The series will also hinge on the duel between the two captains – Darren Sammy and India’s skipper Rohit Sharma – each looking to out‑think the other on field placements and batting orders. The next day, October 11, promises a crucial session: the West Indies will need to break the partnership early, while India hopes to keep the scoreboard ticking. All eyes will be on whether Jaiswal’s marathon innings is a one‑off fireworks display or the start of a long‑term trend of batting dominance for India on home soil.