Virat Kohli’s brilliance helps India shove away middle-order jitters on the opening day of 2nd Test

It was a day of two of India’s most experienced campaigners in the current Test squad coming alive with their magnificent best as India steered clear of choppy waters on day one of the second Test to finish play, nestled in the driver’s seat. Rohit Sharma’s early belligerence laced with another enthralling half-century from Yashasvi Jaiswal gave India the much-needed start that they were looking forward to.

However, things got slightly bumpy in the middle as India found themselves at 182/4, a score that came on the back of losing three wickets within a span of 27 runs. However, Virat Kohli held fort at one end while Ravindra Jadeja accompanied him perfectly to help India steer clear of any further impediments and eventually take the visitors to a position of ascendancy.

Winning the toss, Windies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite chose to field. However, the decision didn’t bear early fruits as India’s opening pair, fresh off their centuries from the first Test, got the team off to a roaring start. 

The duo put together a second consecutive century partnership for the opening stand and looked to be in firm control of proceedings before Jason Holder bagged Jaiswal’s wicket as the latter holed out to Kirk McKenzie for a well-played 57.

Shubman Gill’s arrival at number three didn’t exactly go as planned for the second consecutive time as he nicked one from Kemar Roach into the gloves of Joshua da Silva, departing for 10. Rohit Sharma’s steady blitz came to an abrupt halt as West Indies fans sensed a change in narrative after Jomel Warrican spun the ball just enough to beat through Rohit’s defence as the Indian captain fell for 80, leaving India wobbling at 155/3.

Things got worse for Rohit’s men as Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane could barely contribute, chopping a ball from Shannon Gabriel to leave India at 182/4 as the two teams headed into the Tea break. Post Tea,  India needed a solid from one of their finest batters, Kohli while Jadeja was tasked with playing the supporting role. 

Much to the woes of West Indies, the momentum that they procured while landing three Indian wickets in no time would soon fizzle away to dust as Kohli’s batting form came down heavily upon them, showcasing his class while Jadeja was happy to motor alongside the former Indian captain. The duo knitted together an unbeaten partnership of 106 runs to propel India to 288/4 at the end of the day. Virat stayed unbeaten for a steady 87 while Jadeja will be resuming his innings at 36 when he comes out to bat on Day 2.