India Take Full Control in Delhi
At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, India turned the third day of the Test into a masterclass in dominance. After posting a massive 518 for 5 and declaring, the hosts bowled out West Indies for 248. The 270-run lead gave captain Shubman Gill every reason to enforce the follow-on, and he wasted no time doing it.
It was a decision that spoke volumes about confidence. India are not playing safe cricket anymore. They are chasing statements, not just wins.
Kuldeep Yadav Spins a Web Around West Indies
Kuldeep Yadav was the star of the show. On a pitch that was beginning to grip and turn, he made the ball talk. His variations in flight, speed, and spin were too much for the visiting batters. Finishing with 5 for 82, he reminded everyone why he remains India’s most unpredictable match-winner.
Every wicket came through patience and precision. The dismissal of Kraigg Brathwaite with a drifting delivery that pitched on middle and hit off stump was pure art. The crowd roared, sensing they were watching something special. Ravindra Jadeja supported him perfectly, keeping the other end tight and adding three wickets to his tally.
Shubman Gill’s Calm and Calculated Captaincy
Gill’s captaincy stood out for its clarity. He rotated his bowlers intelligently, making sure the pressure never eased. When West Indies showed signs of settling, he brought Siraj back for a short spell that broke a crucial stand. His field placements were attacking yet thoughtful, especially the close catchers around the bat.
The decision to enforce the follow-on was not impulsive. It came from a deep understanding of momentum. Gill knew that if India let West Indies breathe for a session, they could crawl back. Instead, he chose to suffocate them.
Jaiswal’s Classy 175 Sets the Tone
Earlier in the match, Yashasvi Jaiswal played a knock that defined India’s dominance. His unbeaten 175 was a mix of flair and discipline. He started cautiously, assessing the pitch, and then opened up with drives and lofted strokes that left the bowlers clueless.
Gill’s own 129 not out was another example of maturity beyond his years. He absorbed pressure when wickets fell and attacked when the time was right. Together, they built an innings that was not just big on runs but also psychologically crushing for the visitors.
A source close to the Indian camp later said that the team is following a simple approach under Gill: keep things clear, back your instincts, and never play defensive cricket at home.
West Indies Continue to Struggle
West Indies once again found themselves exposed by quality spin. Their batters looked uncertain about whether to attack or defend. Hope and Campbell tried to show resistance, but their efforts ended in soft dismissals. Even their senior players looked short on patience, often gifting wickets in moments of indecision.
Their bowling earlier in the match was equally inconsistent. While Joseph and Seales bowled with heart, they lacked sustained pressure. The fielding lapses made things worse.
A former Caribbean player watching the match commented that West Indies need more first-class exposure before they can compete in such conditions. He added that talent alone cannot survive without adaptability.
India’s New Approach to Test Cricket
This Delhi Test is more than a routine home win in the making. It is a reflection of a shift in India’s mindset. The team is no longer content with playing safe or grinding out victories. They want to dominate every session.
From how the bowlers were rotated to how the declaration was timed, everything felt measured. There was no panic, only control. The players looked calm, the captain composed, and the intent clear.
Looking Ahead
India now have a golden chance to wrap up the game on Day 4 and seal the series. The pitch will only get tougher for batting, and with two world-class spinners in form, a quick finish looks likely.
For the visitors, the challenge is no longer about winning. It is about saving pride. If they can last four sessions, it would be an achievement in itself. But given the way India have played, even that looks doubtful.
Final Thoughts
This Test has given a glimpse into India’s future under Gill. The young captain seems to understand balance better than many expected. He believes in risk when the reward is big. Kuldeep’s resurgence adds another weapon to India’s arsenal, while Jaiswal’s consistency gives stability at the top.
If India maintain this intent, they will not just win series at home but start intimidating visiting teams again. For now, Delhi belongs to them completely, and the final day promises one more show of ruthless precision.