West Indies Battle to Survive Follow-On After Kuldeep’s Five-Wicket Haul

n the second Test at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, West Indies showed resilience to fight in the follow-on after India’s Kuldeep Yadav delivered a spectacular five-wicket haul in the first innings. Kuldeep’s left-arm wrist-spin decimated the West Indies batting lineup with figures of 5 for 82, helping India enforce the follow-on with a massive 270-run lead.

The visitors were bundled out for 248 runs in their first innings, facing relentless pressure from Kuldeep who dismissed key batsmen like Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, and Justin Greaves in quick succession. His flawless control and clever variations, including a deceptive googly, brought him his fifth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, a milestone achieved in only his 15th Test match—a record for left-arm wrist spinners.

Despite this dominance, the West Indies fought back resiliently in their second innings. Opening batsmen John Campbell and Shai Hope forged a crucial 138-run unbeaten partnership, staving off an innings defeat and keeping their team’s hopes alive. Campbell scored an unbeaten 87 with aggressive stroke play, while Hope contributed a steady 66.

The partnership frustrated the Indian bowlers, forcing captain Shubman Gill to adjust his field placements as the West Indies gradually clawed back some control. At stumps on Day 3, West Indies were 173 for 2, still trailing by 97 runs but determined to extend the contest into the fourth day.

India’s bowling attack, led by Kuldeep’s inspired spell alongside consistent efforts from Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj, remains in command. However, West Indies’ fightback with the bat keeps the game alive, promising an intense battle ahead as both teams seek dominance in the series.