IND vs WI 2nd Test Day 4: West Indies Fight Back with Crucial Partnerships as India's Bowlers Show Fatigue

India vs West Indies 2nd Test Day 4 Report | Delhi Test Match Updates | Follow-On Battle Analysis

The Match Situation: India Close to Victory

The fourth day of the India vs West Indies second Test at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium witnessed a dramatic twist as West Indies mounted a spirited fightback with crucial partnerships. However, India remain in full control, needing just 58 runs on Day 5 with nine wickets in hand to complete a 2–0 series sweep.

India declared their first innings at 518/5, and then enforced the follow-on after bowling out West Indies for 248. In the second innings, West Indies responded with a determined 390, setting India a target of 121.

At stumps on Day 4, India were 63/1 in 18 overs, with KL Rahul (25*) and Sai Sudharsan (30*) at the crease.

West Indies’ Second Innings Heroics: Key Partnerships

Campbell–Hope Partnership: The Foundation

After being asked to follow on, West Indies showed great character. Openers John Campbell and Shai Hope stitched together a crucial partnership that helped West Indies reach 173/2 at stumps on Day 3. Campbell led from the front with a magnificent maiden Test century, setting the tone for a more disciplined and gritty batting display.

Middle Order Resistance

Unlike their first innings collapse, West Indies’ middle order showed much better application in the second innings. Batters like Alick Athanaze, Joshua Da Silva, and Justin Greaves contributed vital runs. Their partnerships helped stretch the innings to 390, giving West Indies a slender but symbolic 120-run lead.

Tail-End Fight: Prolonging the Innings

While there was no game-changing last-wicket stand, the lower order — including Jayden Seales — showed enough resistance to frustrate India and consume valuable overs, contributing to the bowlers’ fatigue.

Indian Bowling: Tired but Determined

Kuldeep Yadav: The Standout Performer

Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was again India’s best bowler across both innings. In the first innings, he took 5 wickets, showcasing sharp turn and clever variations. He remained a threat in the second innings as well, adding 3 more wickets to his match tally.

Ravindra Jadeja: Consistent and Controlled

Jadeja bowled long spells with accuracy and economy. He picked up 3 wickets in the first innings and applied pressure consistently through his tight lines, although his impact faded slightly in the second innings due to fatigue.

Bumrah & Siraj: Holding the Line

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah delivered key breakthroughs in both innings, including a beautiful reverse-swinging delivery to bowl Khary Pierre. Mohammed Siraj chipped in with wickets but had to work hard as the West Indies batters dug in deep.

India’s decision to enforce the follow-on meant their bowlers were on the field for nearly 200 overs across both innings — a tough ask in Delhi’s draining conditions.

Day 4: India’s Chase Begins

India began their chase of 121 confidently. Although Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early for 8 (in the 2nd over), KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan batted with calm assurance to end Day 4 at 63/1 in 18 overs.

They added an unbeaten 54-run stand at a run rate of 3.27, leaving India just 58 runs away from victory heading into the final day.

West Indies’ Spirit: Fighting Against the Odds

Though West Indies are unlikely to win, their second-innings resistance was commendable. After being asked to follow on, they responded with maturity and fight — traits that were absent in the first innings.

John Campbell’s century, Hope’s support, and contributions from the middle and lower order will give the team confidence heading into future challenges. This innings also exposed areas where India may need better workload management, especially with a packed international calendar ahead.

Looking Ahead to Day 5

• India: Need just 58 more runs to complete a 2-0 sweep.

• West Indies: Will aim for early breakthroughs and pride.

• India’s bowlers: May get a well-deserved rest after this.

Key Takeaways

• West Indies partnerships showed character – especially Campbell’s century and the middle order

• Kuldeep Yadav was India’s bowling star, with 8 wickets across the match

• India’s bowlers showed signs of fatigue, having bowled nearly 200 overs

• Follow-on decision was bold, but came at a physical cost

• India firmly in command, chasing just 121 with 9 wickets in hand