India Tighten Grip as West Indies Face Uphill Battle on Day 4 of Second Test

India maintained firm control of the second Test against the West Indies on Day 4, setting the stage for a potential series sweep. With a commanding lead in their pocket and relentless pressure from their bowling unit, the hosts steadily pushed the visitors toward a familiar struggle.

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West Indies Start Strong But Lose Momentum

Resuming their second innings on 173/2, West Indies began the morning session with some much-needed intent. Openers John Campbell and Shai Hope looked composed, adding crucial runs and frustrating India’s bowlers early on. Campbell, who had already reached a memorable century the previous day, continued playing with grit, absorbing pressure and rotating the strike well.

But the resilience didn’t last forever. Ravindra Jadeja found the breakthrough India needed, trapping Campbell in front for 115. That wicket snapped a threatening partnership and reignited India’s energy. Soon after, the pressure mounted, and Hope too departed, falling to a sharp delivery from Jasprit Bumrah.

From 200/2, West Indies suddenly found themselves wobbling, losing key wickets in quick succession.

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Kuldeep and Jadeja Apply the Squeeze

India’s spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja took charge once again, controlling the game’s tempo. On a pitch starting to grip and offer turn, the pair operated with precision — varying pace, angles, and trajectories to keep batters guessing.

Kuldeep, fresh off a first-innings five-for, continued to make life difficult for the West Indian middle order, dismissing danger man Jermaine Blackwood with a clever googly. Jadeja’s relentless accuracy from the other end kept the scoreboard in check, forcing the batters into mistakes.

The spin chokehold meant West Indies couldn’t free their arms or build meaningful partnerships, allowing India to dictate every passage of play.

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Bumrah’s Class Adds to the Pressure

While the spinners tightened the screws, Bumrah’s bursts at crucial intervals kept the visitors on edge. His dismissal of Hope with a trademark nip-backer shifted the momentum completely in India’s favor. His fiery spell with the old ball, coupled with smart field placements, ensured West Indies couldn’t escape the pressure from either end.

Bumrah also featured in a tense DRS moment earlier in the day after trapping Campbell in front — a call that went against India — but the pacer responded with even more intensity in his next spell.

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India’s Strategy: Ruthless & Relentless

India’s captain Shubman Gill managed his bowlers shrewdly throughout the day, rotating spin and pace effectively. The field settings remained attacking, with close-in catchers surrounding the batters as pressure mounted.

With a mammoth lead behind them, India’s plan was simple: attack in waves, dry up runs, and force the visitors into playing false shots. The West Indies, though spirited, began to show cracks as the day wore on.

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West Indies’ Slim Hopes

Campbell’s century and Hope’s resistance gave West Indies something to hold onto, but the task remains monumental. Trailing heavily and with only a few wickets in hand, their best chance is to bat deep into Day 5 and force a draw — an outcome that looks increasingly unlikely.

Their lower order will need to summon remarkable resilience to withstand the relentless pressure from India’s spinners and seamers.

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What Lies Ahead

• For India: Early wickets on the final day could wrap up the series in style. Kuldeep and Jadeja are expected to lead the charge, while Bumrah’s reverse swing will be key in breaking partnerships.
• For West Indies: Survival is the only path. Their tailenders will need to dig in, block out overs, and frustrate India to extend the match.

India’s dominance with both bat and ball has left little doubt about their superiority in this series. Unless West Indies can pull off a miracle on the final day, a 2-0 result seems inevitable.

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