
India captain Shubman Gill is on the verge of making history in the World Test Championship (WTC) during the second Test against West Indies at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. On Day 1, India finished at 318/2, with Gill remaining unbeaten at the crease and needing just 15 runs to surpass Rishabh Pant as India’s leading run-scorer in WTC matches.
Currently, Rishabh Pant holds the record with 2,731 runs in 67 innings, while Gill has already accumulated 2,717 runs in 71 innings. With India in a strong position, Gill’s milestone seems almost certain as he resumes batting on Day 2. His performance has been consistent over the years, reflecting his growing stature in Indian cricket. Achieving this record will place him ahead of other top Indian batsmen in WTC history.
Trailing closely behind Gill and Pant is Rohit Sharma, who has scored 2,716 runs in 69 innings. Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja occupy fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Among emerging talents, Yashasvi Jaiswal is also making headlines. The 23-year-old is batting impressively with 173 on Day 1*, reaching a total of 2,418 runs in 48 innings and moving up the WTC charts rapidly. Jaiswal’s performance shows that India’s batting depth is strengthening with young talent making significant contributions alongside experienced players.
During Day 1, Jaiswal dominated the West Indies bowling attack, setting up a strong platform for India. He aims to reach a double century, which would further cement his rising reputation. The partnership between Gill and Jaiswal is expected to guide India to a defendable total, potentially allowing the team to bat only once in the match. This strategy helped India secure a convincing innings and 140-run victory in their previous Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Apart from the top performers, India’s middle order also played a crucial role in Day 1. Sai Sudharsan contributed significantly with 87 runs, providing stability after early wickets. KL Rahul added 38 runs before being dismissed by Jomel Warrican. These contributions helped India maintain momentum and build a strong score at the end of the first day.
The performance of the Indian batsmen reflects the team’s balanced approach, combining experience with young talent. Gill, Jaiswal, Sudharsan, and Rahul have all shown their ability to handle pressure situations and score runs consistently against a competitive West Indies bowling attack. The batting lineup has provided India with multiple options to accelerate scoring or consolidate depending on the match situation.
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Shubman Gill’s approach at the crease demonstrates his calm temperament and technical skill, allowing him to play long innings while maintaining a steady scoring rate. His ability to rotate strike and find gaps in the field has been key in building partnerships. Once he crosses the 2,731-run mark, he will set a new benchmark for Indian batsmen in WTC history, inspiring upcoming players to aim for consistent performance at the highest level.
Jaiswal’s unbeaten innings of 173* also shows the emergence of a young talent capable of taking responsibility for India in challenging conditions. The partnership between him and Gill not only strengthens India’s batting but also provides valuable learning opportunities for the younger players in the team. Such innings are important for team morale and building confidence ahead of future WTC matches.
Looking ahead, India will aim to capitalize on their strong position. The opening pair of Gill and Jaiswal has set the tone for a commanding innings, and with contributions from Sudharsan and Rahul, the team is well placed to post a total that puts pressure on West Indies. With wickets in hand, the captain can allow younger players to play freely while experienced players manage the game strategically.
In conclusion, Day 2 of the Delhi Test promises to be historic for Shubman Gill as he looks to become India’s top run-scorer in WTC history. Alongside him, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s extraordinary innings and other supporting contributions highlight India’s strong batting depth. This performance reflects India’s growing strength in Test cricket and sets the stage for a potential victory, continuing the team’s impressive form in the WTC series. With Gill and Jaiswal leading the charge, India is likely to post a competitive total and maintain its momentum in the ongoing championship.