The second Test match between West Indies and India at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad ended in a draw due to rain. However, India secured the series victory with a 1-0 margin after their dominant performance throughout the Test series.
India had previously defeated West Indies by an innings and 141 runs in Dominica, setting them up for a potential clean sweep until the weather intervened.
The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, can take pride in their strong start to the newest cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC). They will now shift their focus to the 50-over World Cup, taking a break from the Test format.
As we reflect on India’s series triumph, let’s examine the three significant positives they can take away from the tour:
#1 Debutants Seize Opportunities
Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as the leading run-scorer in the two-Test series against West Indies, accumulating 266 runs. His standout performance was a remarkable 171 in the first Test in Dominica. However, Jaiswal was not the only Indian debutant who made a mark in the series.
Ishan Kishan played a blistering unbeaten knock of 52 from just 34 balls, setting up an early declaration in the second innings of the Trinidad Test. Meanwhile, seamer Mukesh Kumar showcased economical bowling and claimed a couple of wickets on his Test debut.
India is currently undergoing a transition phase in Test cricket, and the impressive performances of these newcomers bode well for the team’s future. Their ability to seize opportunities will undoubtedly please the team management as the WTC cycle progresses.
#2 Mohammed Siraj Emerges as Pace Attack Leader
Despite the presence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj demonstrated why he is ready to assume the role of India’s pace attack leader. He claimed his second five-wicket haul in Tests, dismantling West Indies’ lower order and providing India with a substantial lead in Trinidad.
Siraj had previously achieved his first five-wicket haul in the famous Brisbane Test of 2021, where he took charge as the de facto leader of the bowling unit despite it being only his third Test match.
His strong performances in ODIs over the past year, along with his impressive displays for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL, highlight his growth as a bowler. India now possesses a potential bowling leader for years to come, regardless of who partners him in the attack.
#3 Virat Kohli’s Return to Form
Virat Kohli, who ended his century drought in Tests against Australia earlier this year, continued his fine form by scoring his 29th Test century in Trinidad. This was complemented by a gritty 76 in the first Test and a fluent 49 in the second innings of the World Test Championship final last month.
In recent years, Kohli has faced challenges in scoring fluently, making his century in Trinidad a significant boost for India. While his skill and status as one of the greatest players of his generation are unquestionable, the ease with which he constructed his innings is crucial in many ways.
This bodes well for the Indian team as they embark on a transition period, with challenging tours of South Africa and Australia on the horizon, along with a home series against England in the winter. If Kohli continues to perform at this level, it will undoubtedly translate into more success for India.
