As the sun dipped below the Delhi horizon on Day 4, a familiar sense of anticipation mingled with an unexpected sigh of relief. India, the formidable giants of Test cricket, stood on the precipice of a convincing victory, needing a mere 58 runs to seal a 2-0 series sweep against West Indies. Yet, the narrative wasn`t solely about India`s impending triumph; it was about the resilience, the sheer defiance, of a West Indies side that had, for four days, steadfastly refused to simply fold. They didn`t just play; they toiled India.
The morning of Day 4 began with a five-over spell from Jasprit Bumrah that hinted at reverse swing, a subtle whisper of hope for India. However, West Indies` overnight batters, John Campbell and Shai Hope, had other plans. On a pitch that had, by all accounts, decided to flatten out into a batter`s paradise, they dug in with commendable resolve. Campbell, after a lengthy stay in the nervous nineties, punctuated his maiden Test century with a majestic six over mid-wicket, a statement of intent as much as a celebration. Not long after, Shai Hope joined him in the exclusive club, bringing up his first century in 58 innings – a statistic that speaks volumes about his individual determination. These were not mere runs; these were hours spent at the crease, runs meticulously gathered, frustrating India`s quest for an early breakthrough.
For long stretches, India’s world-class bowling attack found themselves in an unfamiliar territory: a relentless grind. Ravindra Jadeja, despite his best efforts and tactical angle changes, found little assistance. Kuldeep Yadav, fresh off a first-innings fifer, and Jasprit Bumrah, ever the spearhead, kept probing, kept pushing. But wickets, as they say, had to be earned. Campbell eventually fell attempting a reverse sweep against Jadeja, and Hope, ironically, was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj when a ball kept unexpectedly low, bringing an end to his valiant vigil. Even as the new ball was taken, the resolve of the West Indies batters remained unbowed, their bat-first mentality surprisingly robust.
Just when India might have envisioned a swift wrap-up, the West Indies lower order staged a compelling encore. Roston Chase contributed a solid 40, demonstrating sound application before Kuldeep found his edge. But it was the final-wicket stand that truly stretched the patience of the Indian team and its supporters. Justin Greaves, carving out a well-deserved half-century, partnered with Jayden Seales in a 79-run alliance that spanned 22 overs. It was a remarkable display of grit, forcing India to bowl their most overs in a single innings since the Ahmedabad Test in 2023. One might even argue that Greaves and Seales were not just batting for runs, but for pride, perhaps even a bit of good-natured mischief, making the favourites truly work for their supper.
Chasing 121 runs with the Delhi evening drawing in, India`s intent was clear: finish it quickly. Yashasvi Jaiswal, ever the aggressor, attempted to clear the long-on boundary in the second over but perished in the effort. A momentary flutter, perhaps, but then KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan steadied the ship with a calmer, more measured approach. They navigated the remaining overs of the day without further damage, ensuring that India would return on Tuesday morning, not with a mountain to climb, but a leisurely stroll towards victory.
While the outcome of this Test seems a foregone conclusion, West Indies have left Delhi with more than just a defeat. They have left with a testament to their improving batting, a century each for Campbell and Hope, and a fighting spirit that pushed India to the brink of Day 5. India will secure their series sweep, a deserving reward for their overall dominance, but not without acknowledging the unexpected, spirited resistance that made this Test a far more compelling narrative than many had initially predicted.
Nathan Blackwood 
Marcus Bellamy