The second Test match between India and the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 13, 2025, took another thrilling turn on Day 4. With India needing 121 runs to win, and the West Indies managing to bowl India out for 390, the match saw dramatic moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. From physical pain on the field to crucial wickets and exciting partnerships, the day unfolded with both teams battling for supremacy.
West Indies: Resilience in the Face of the Indian Attack
The West Indies came into Day 4 with high hopes, looking to build on their overnight score of 212/2. However, they soon found themselves in trouble as India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, tightened their grip. West Indies, at one point, slumped from 212/2 to 311/9, losing seven wickets in the space of 99 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav were the standout bowlers for India, with both picking up three wickets each. Bumrah’s precision and Yadav’s guile were too much for the West Indies batters as they found themselves consistently under pressure. Bumrah’s ability to break partnerships proved pivotal, while Yadav’s spin proved difficult to negotiate on the dry surface of Delhi.
Despite this, Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales showed immense resilience. Their 79-run partnership for the 10th wicket frustrated India and delayed the inevitable. Seales, in particular, played a crucial role, adding 32 runs, and Greaves continued to show his composure, contributing an important 50 not out. The partnership kept India at bay through a tense post-tea session, but it was eventually broken when Bumrah dismissed Seales, and the West Indies were bowled out for 390.
India’s Chase: Early Drama and KL Rahul’s Injury
India’s chase of 121 runs to win the Test started on a slightly shaky note. Yashasvi Jaiswal, one of the most promising young talents, could not make the most of his opportunity and was dismissed for 8 by Jayden Seales. Jaiswal had a short stay at the crease, having struck a six but was eventually caught out by Anderson Phillip at long-on. This dismissal put India at 9/1, and the chase was off to a nervy start.
But the real drama unfolded shortly after Jaiswal’s dismissal when KL Rahul, the one-down batsman, was struck painfully on his abdominal guard by a Seales delivery. Rahul had looked to defend the ball, but it hit him in a sensitive area, leaving him grimacing in pain. The Indian team physio rushed to the pitch to attend to him, and there was a brief delay in the game as Rahul recovered. Fortunately, he was able to continue, albeit with visible discomfort. The incident had fans on edge, worried about the impact of Rahul’s injury on India’s chase.
At the time of writing, KL Rahul was at the crease on 7 from 14 balls, with his partner Sai Sudharsan on 6 not out from 13 balls. The two of them were attempting to steady the ship after the early dismissal of Jaiswal, though the injury to Rahul certainly added an extra layer of tension to India’s chase.
The West Indies Fight Back: A Strong Showing with the Bat
Though the West Indies were bowled out for 390, they showed strong character with the bat on Day 4, largely thanks to Greaves and Seales. After India’s attack broke through the top and middle order, the two lower-order batsmen dug in to frustrate the Indian bowlers. Their fifty-run partnership for the 10th wicket was one of the most significant moments of the day, keeping India’s attack at bay for over 20 overs.
Greaves’ half-century was particularly important for the West Indies. The knock came off 85 balls and showed his ability to stay calm under pressure. His partnership with Seales provided West Indies with much-needed runs and took them past the 350-run mark. It was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing batting performance by the visitors.
Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar had a few frustrating moments in the field, as Sundar failed to take a catch at deep square leg off Seales, which could have resulted in the West Indies being bowled out earlier. This moment was a let-off for the West Indies, and it allowed their tailenders to hang around longer.
India’s Bowling Attack: Leading from the Front
For India, Jasprit Bumrah was his usual self, showing his skill and precision to finish with 3 wickets. His partnership with Kuldeep Yadav was key to India’s success. Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner, picked up three important wickets and was critical in breaking partnerships during the middle overs.
Ravindra Jadeja, too, played his role, restricting the flow of runs with his tight left-arm spin. However, it was Bumrah who gave the team the breakthrough they needed to end West Indies’ resistance. His dismissal of Jayden Seales in the dying moments of the West Indies’ innings finally wrapped up the opposition’s innings.
The Road Ahead: A Nervous Chase for India
As Day 4 concluded, India needed 121 runs to win the match and clinch the series. While the target is relatively small, the dramatic moments earlier in the day — including Jaiswal’s dismissal and Rahul’s injury — have added a level of uncertainty to India’s chase. The Indian dressing room will hope that Rahul can recover fully and play an important role in the chase.
The early wickets of Jaiswal and Rahul’s injury have put pressure on the Indian chase, but with Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul still at the crease, there’s plenty of batting to come. India’s middle order, featuring players like Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, will need to step up if the openers fail to carry the chase through.
On the other hand, the West Indies bowlers, particularly Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican, will be looking to bounce back and create early breakthroughs. The short target will provide them with a chance to fight back, but they will need to strike quickly to make it an interesting contest.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Finish in Sight
As we approach the final day of the second Test, the match is finely poised. India need 121 runs to win, but with the early challenges they’ve faced — including Jaiswal’s dismissal and Rahul’s injury — there is still uncertainty in the air. West Indies, on the other hand, will need to produce some inspired bowling performances to upset the odds.
All eyes will be on Day 5 as both teams look to make their mark and take home the win. Will India complete the chase and win the series, or will the West Indies pull off an upset? The answer will come soon enough, but it’s shaping up to be a thrilling finish to the Test series.
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