In a gripping display of skill and resilience, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja led India to a commanding position on the first day of the second Test against West Indies at Port of Spain in Trinidad. The Indian duo’s outstanding partnership put India on top after an impressive bowling performance from the West Indies.
After being asked to bat, Team India got off to a solid start with captain Rohit Sharma and young prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal forging a 139-run opening stand in quick time. However, the West Indies bowlers struck back in the second session, pushing India to a challenging position at 182/4.
Kohli, playing in his momentous 500th international game, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 87 runs, showcasing his mastery and experience in crucial situations. He found an able partner in Jadeja, who displayed patience and determination with an undefeated 36 runs.
The pair adopted a cautious approach in the start of the third session, respecting the disciplined lines of the Windies bowlers. As they settled in, boundaries began to flow, and the duo took control of the match. Their unbroken 106-run partnership steered India to a formidable total of 288/4 at the end of the day’s play.
Kohli’s innings was especially significant as he now stands just 13 runs away from reaching his 29th Test century, a remarkable achievement that fans are eagerly looking forward to witnessing on the second day of the match.
Earlier, India capitalized on a strong foundation laid by Rohit and Jaiswal, both of whom achieved impressive half-centuries in the first session. The openers returned unbeaten at Lunch, with a partnership of 121 runs.
However, the hosts mounted a comeback in the second session when Jason Holder drew the first blood by dismissing Jaiswal (57). Shortly after, Kemar Roach got rid of Shubman Gill for a mere 10 runs. Captain Rohit was steadily approaching his second consecutive century in the series, but his innings was cut short at 80 by Jomel Warrican.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
That's Stumps on Day 1 of the 2⃣nd #WIvIND Test!
Solid show with the bat from #TeamIndia 👍👍
8️⃣7️⃣* for @imVkohli
8️⃣0️⃣ for Captain @ImRo45
5️⃣7️⃣ for @ybj_19
3️⃣6️⃣* for @imjadejaWe will see you tomorrow for Day 2️⃣ action!
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/d6oETzoH1Z pic.twitter.com/FLV0UzsKOT
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 20, 2023
India 288/4 on Day 1 Stumps:
King Kohli – 87* (161).
Rohit – 80 (143).
Jaiswal – 57 (74).
Jadeja – 36* (84).– All eyes on the King tomorrow for his 76th hundred. Great commitment and determination shown by King! pic.twitter.com/ptFWDb1IzG
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 20, 2023
https://twitter.com/heavenly01234/status/1682232995682344960
Day one has come to an end in Trinidad.#WIvIND #RallywithWI #WIHome
Live Scorecard⬇️https://t.co/AwkFln2z3D pic.twitter.com/LODsq6KUDK
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 20, 2023
Stumps on Day 1.
Virat Kohli 87* & Rohit Sharma 80 are the stars, well supported by Jadeja & Jaiswal.
India on top with 288/4. pic.twitter.com/2YKFO1jvio
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 20, 2023
Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja lead India's revival with century stand: https://t.co/waMJXVrvI7#cricket #WIvIND #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/C1KXRWgohb
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 21, 2023
Virat Kohli completed 2000 runs in WTC history and becomes the leading run scorer for India in Test Cricket 2023. 🤍#WIvIND pic.twitter.com/crjQghgrsg
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10) July 20, 2023
500th International match
2006 – Sachin Tendulkar
2007 – Sanath Jayasuriya
2010 – Ricky Ponting
2011 – Mahela Jayawardene
2011 – Rahul Dravid
2012 – Jacques Kallis
2013 – Kumar Sangakkara
2015 – Shahid Afridi
2018 – MS Dhoni
2023 – Virat Kohli*#WIvIND | #ViratKohli— Cricket Capital (@CricketCapital7) July 20, 2023
Stealing doubles since 2012’ ~ Virat Kohli to Joshua Da Silvia.
He actually meant it. 🔥#ViratKohli𓃵 #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/4Ygo5k64Nc
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10) July 20, 2023
GOAT drive 🇮🇳#ViratKohli𓃵 @imVkohli
pic.twitter.com/btJhwb6h4C— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) July 20, 2023