As the first Test between the two teams reached the end of Day 2, Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 36 runs from 96 deliveries with only one boundary to his name.
Despite the slow run rate, India remains firmly in control of the match, courtesy of an outstanding bowling performance on Day 1 that saw the hosts being dismissed for just 150 runs.
Building on this strong foundation, the opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal further consolidated India’s position by adding 229 runs for the first wicket.
Although India lost a couple of quick wickets thereafter, Kohli and Jaiswal ensured no further damage was done, guiding the team to a close of 312/2 in 113 overs.
Pragyan Ojha, while analyzing the match, acknowledged that the pitch was not conducive to easy run-scoring, particularly for incoming batsmen.
In an interview with Jio Cinemas before Day 3, he stressed the importance of Kohli spending extended periods of time at the crease. As it would greatly enhance his chances of accumulating runs.
“The longer time he spends in the middle, the better the chances of him scoring the runs,” Ojha commented
Ojha emphasized the need for Kohli to take his time and construct a lengthy innings that could potentially result in his 29th Test century.
He expressed that the advantage for India is having ample time to build a comfortable lead, allowing Virat Kohli the opportunity to pursue his century without any rush or pressure.
Ojha praised the remarkable debut century by 21-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal. He expressed his expectation that the young talent would look to accelerate the scoring rate on Day 3.
“Day 2 was completely Yashasvi’s day, the way he batted and achieved his maiden Test century. On Day 3, it’ll be crucial how he starts because it’s not easy for a batsman on this kind of tricky track to come in and dominate the bowlers.”
“However, once he gets settled, I’m confident he will aim to assert his dominance and increase the scoring rate,” Ojha explained.
During Jaiswal’s blistering knock, he broke numerous records, including becoming the third Indian batter to score a century on debut against the West Indies.
In addition, he became the seventh Indian player and the first since Suresh Raina in 2010 to achieve a century in his Test debut during an away match.
Resuming his innings on 143, Jaiswal has the opportunity to become the eighth batter, and the first Indian, to score a double century on Test debut.
Ojha, however, cautioned India about the potential threat of rain, considering the coastal location of the first Test in Dominica.
Despite the team’s dominant position, Ojha advised them to consider the weather conditions and make appropriate plans.
Ojha advises India to consider the possibility of rain in the coastal area and suggests adapting plans if overs are lost. He recommends a target score of 300-320 to put pressure on the West Indies.
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