Team India displayed an aggressive and dynamic approach during Day 4 of the second Test match against West Indies, switching to what they referred to as ‘Bazball’ mode after Mohammed Siraj’s remarkable five-wicket haul, which bundled out the West Indies for a mere 255 runs. This outstanding performance handed the visitors a commanding 183-run lead in the first innings. Opening duo Yasasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma put up a blazing 98-run partnership in just 71 balls, with Rohit achieving his fastest Test fifty. As the duo departed in successive overs, Ishan Kishan came out to bat at No.4 instead of Virat Kohli. Kishan later explained the reason behind this decision and Kohli’s involvement in it.
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In the 12th over, Rohit fell after scoring 57 runs off 44 balls before getting out, and shortly after, Yashasvi Jaiswal also got out without reaching a fifty for the first time in the series. While Shubman Gill and Kohli were expected to strengthen India’s dominance, Shubman received valuable support from his friend Ishan Kishan, who came in at No.4 instead of Kohli.
Ishan, a left-handed batter, made an impressive 52 runs off 34 balls, achieving his first half-century in international cricket. Following Ishan’s contribution, India declared their second innings at 181 for two. At the end of the rain-affected Day 4, Ishan disclosed that Kohli was the one who encouraged him to bat at No.4 and play his natural game.
” Was really special. I knew what the team needed from me. Everyone backed me. Virat backed me and told me go and play your game. Let’s hope we will finish the game tomorrow. It was Virat bhai who took the initiative and told that I should go in. There was a slow left-armer who was bowling. It was a good call for the team. Sometimes you need to take these calls. We had the plan that we will play 10-12 overs after the rain break and score 70-80 runs,” Ishan Kishan said after the day’s play.
India displayed their dominance by setting a massive target of 365 runs for West Indies. At the end of Day 4, the hosts reached 76 for two, with R Ashwin proving his prowess by taking both wickets. However, they still face an uphill battle, standing 289 runs away from what seems like an improbable win. The final day promises an exciting contest as West Indies strives to chase down the target, while India aims to secure victory with their skilled bowling attack.
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