The Test series between India and the West Indies in Dominica has taken a one-sided turn as Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal displayed a batting masterclass against the struggling West Indies bowling attack. The duo, India’s newest opening pair in Tests, scored centuries, solidifying India’s dominance as they reached 312/2 at stumps on Day 2, boasting a lead of 162 runs over the West Indies.
On the second day of the match, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased their batting prowess, losing only two wickets and playing out two wicketless sessions. Their impressive performance suggests that the West Indies will face another challenging day on Day 3 as India aims to establish an insurmountable lead.
In addition to their milestones, Rohit and Jaiswal also created history with their colossal partnership of 229 runs. This double-century partnership surpassed the previous 159 runs set by Virender Sehwag and Wasim Jaffer against the West Indies in the 2006 Gros Islet Test. The legendary pair of Sunil Gavaskar and Chetan Chauhan’s 153-run partnership in Mumbai in 1978 and the 136-run stand between Gavaskar and Anshuman Gaikwad in 1976 rank next on the list.
Rohit and Jaiswal’s monumental partnership also marked India’s first 100-run opening partnership in 23 Test innings. Notably, it was the first time in Test cricket history that India took the lead in their first innings without losing a wicket.
While the partnership was eventually broken with Rohit’s departure after completing his 10th Test century, Jaiswal continued to excel. In an extraordinary feat, the 21-year-old opener broke the record for the most balls faced by an Indian debutant. Jaiswal showcased tremendous composure throughout his innings, adapting to the pace and bounce of the wicket. He accelerated from 70 to 100 in just 31 balls, demonstrating his ability to switch gears seamlessly. Jaiswal’s century also made him the first Indian batter in 21 years to score a debut century outside of Asia, following Virender Sehwag’s 101 against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
Watch Video: ‘Hat Na b*cd Samne Se’, Yashasvi Jaiswal Complaints About A West Indian Player To Virat Kohli
For Rohit Sharma, this was only his second Test century away from India, adding to his 127 in the Oval Test against England in 2021. His half-century in this match elevated him to elite status, surpassing the legendary Sunil Gavaskar and Virender Sehwag in registering his 102nd fifty. He now ranks second only to the great Sachin Tendulkar, who leads the pack with 120 fifty-plus scores, solidifying his position as one of India’s finest openers.
