India gained useful World Test Championship points when it won the Test series over West Indies 2-0. The second Test was won by the hosts by seven wickets, but this time they were back to winning ways at home.
India made a fairly fruitful trip, several of its players stood to the occasion during the two matches. Actually, the contribution of virtually all the people is the one to be reckoned with in the Delhi Test, and this is precisely what the squad is seeking as it goes through challenging transition period.
On that line, here are three significant positives for India from their Test series victory over the West Indies.
3. KL Rahul had one of his first prolific home Test assignments
The Test record of KL Rahul in India was not great over the years, having not scored a home century since 2016 and a series of gentle dismissals. His home average was less than 40 before the series with West Indies, and this called into question his consistency on the familiar pitch.
Rahul however changed the fortunes when he scored a brilliant century in the first Test and an unbroken half-century in the second innings of the game in Delhi. He appeared calm, self-assured and focused to ensure that each run was a winner. He displayed his form and intention by being unlucky to be stumped after gaining a start even in the first innings in Delhi.
2. Sai Sudharsan defeated a failure to make a significant half-century.
Sai Sudharsan did not have a very good time in England, scoring only one fifty in three Tests. This did not end in Ahmedabad where he lost his job shabbily to Roston Chase. It appeared that the youngster was yet to get his step at the global stage.
However, in Delhi Sai played with a lot of maturity as he made a bold 87 in the opening innings. His batting was full of sharp strokes and sturdy character. He was able to adapt well later when he came in as a cameo in India in the chase. As India moves into the transitory period, the form of Sudharsan will be central to the future of the team.
1. Kuldeep Yadav was finally given an opportunity to prove his value.
Kuldeep Yadav had not reached out to the entire Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy; therefore, he was not going to waste his chance. The wrist-spinner on the left hand had played both the Tests against West Indies and smacked his Player of the Match award in Delhi.
Kuldeep, with his ingenious variations and mastery over them caused bewilderment to the batters of the West Indies. His mobility, change of pace and accuracy had made him an ever present menace. He then got his opportunity to show his ability of winning matches, and reminded everyone of how valuable he is in red-ball cricket after waiting privately.
