NEW DELHI: Yashasvi Jaiswal masterfully decimated the West Indies attack with another ‘Daddy Hundred,’ guiding India to 318 for 2 on the opening day of the second Test in New Delhi.

The left-hander showcased all facets of his game, remaining unbeaten on 173 off 253 balls, with skipper Shubman Gill (20) for company at stumps. Jaiswal’s innings, featuring 22 flawless boundaries, was marked by precision, power, and composure.

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His dominance also boosted fellow youngster Sai Sudharsan, who looked set for his maiden Test century before falling just short on 87.

In a 193-run second-wicket stand between the two 23-year-olds, Sai Sudharsan showcased his true potential, justifying the Indian team management’s faith in him as the long-term No. 3 in Tests.

With a composed approach, Sudharsan guided the ball to the boundary effortlessly, relying on timing rather than power.

By the time he was trapped lbw by left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, the Tamil Nadu southpaw had done enough to silence doubts about whether he was running out of time to establish himself.

Gill also looked assured and would be hoping to make up for the disappointment of missing a hundred in Ahmedabad.

As far as West Indies bowling was concerned, they were disciplined during the first hour and pedestrian for the next five, bowling enough loose deliveries that resulted in 43 boundaries (including one six) on Day 1.

For Jaiswal, it was his control that was laudable but he was equally contemptible on pacers and spinners.

Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillips fed him with a lot of half-volleys and over-pitched deliveries that met the fate they ought to have.

As far as the spinners were concerned, Jaiswal was either gifted half-trackers or wide and overpitched deliveries that were driven with such impetuosity that at times, fielders left the chase halfway.

While Warrican still bowled a few wicket-taking deliveries — two of which accounted for KL Rahul (38) and Sudharsan –, Khary Pierre and Roston Chase were easily dispatched by the Indians throughout the day.

A standout aspect of Jaiswal’s innings was the manner in which paced each of his 50s.

If the first fifty runs (82 balls) were all about a cautious approach, there was controlled aggression between 50 to 100 (63 balls) and once he had reached the three-figure mark, he basically dictated the field placements not taking any risks but still managing to score freely between 100 to 150 (79 balls).

Among all his shots, the way he played the square cut and back cut was a treat for the fans, who had gathered at the Kotla to watch India bat.

Towards the end, the copybook cover-drive with a bent knee off Seales as he held the pose made for a perfect portrait.

In the case of Sudharsan, with some good lessons in the basics of cricket, most of his 12 boundaries came in the ‘V’. There were some regal cover drives and on-drives.

The only man who might feel disappointed is Rahul as he got the best delivery bowled on the day.

Warrican suddenly changed the pace of his delivery and shortened the length. Rahul came out and saw it turn sharply, beating his outside edge. There was a century there for the taking.

(With PTI Inputs)