IND vs WI: Kuldeep Yadav's Spin Magic Fails to Deliver in Second Innings

The second Test match between India and West Indies at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium has witnessed a surprising statistical anomaly for star spinner Kuldeep Yadav. While Team India dominated the first two days, West Indies staged a remarkable comeback, pushing the Indian bowlers onto the back foot. After being bowled out for 248 in their first innings on Day 3, West Indies showed significant improvement in their second innings after being asked to follow on.

West Indies Fights Back Strongly

Opening batsman John Campbell and Shai Hope formed an impressive. Partnership of over 150 runs, bringing West Indies back into contention. On the fourth day, John Campbell achieved his maiden Test century, scoring 115 before falling to Ravindra Jadeja. By lunch, West Indies had posted 252 for 3 wickets.

A Career First for Kuldeep Yadav

Indian bowlers struggled to make breakthroughs in West Indies' second innings. Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar managed only one wicket each, while however, the most striking statistic emerged concerning Kuldeep Yadav. He bowled 13 overs in the second innings but failed to pick up a single wicket. This marks the first time in his Test career that he has gone wicketless in his initial 13 overs of an innings. Prior to this match, Kuldeep had never been without a wicket in the first 13 overs across his 18 Test innings.

Pitch Conditions and Batting Resilience

Kuldeep Yadav has consistently troubled opposition batsmen with his spin and variations in the early overs. However, a lack of significant assistance from the pitch on the third and fourth days, coupled with disciplined batting from West Indies, prevented him from opening his wicket account, while this statistic is particularly surprising given his impressive five-wicket haul in the first innings of the same Test.