The second Test between India and West Indies, held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi from October 10 to 14, 2025, has been a thrilling encounter with dominant performances and resilient fighting spirits. India set a massive first innings score of 518 for 5 declared, anchored by century knocks from Yashasvi Jaiswal (175) and Shubman Gill (129*). However, a spectacular bowling display by India’s Kuldeep Yadav and a determined batting resurgence by West Indies on Day 3 have kept the contest alive and exciting.
Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket masterclass on Day 3 of Delhi Test
Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep was the star with the ball on Day 3 as he ran through the West Indies batting lineup with a brilliant five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 82 in 26.5 overs. Kuldeep’s spell was a masterpiece of control, guile, and variations, even when the pitch offered little turn.
He dismantled the West Indies middle order with key dismissals including Shai Hope (36), Tevin Imlach, and Justin Greaves in a decisive morning session burst. His deliveries drifted and turned sharply, beating the batters’ defenses repeatedly. Kuldeep became the fastest left-arm wrist spinner to claim five five-wicket hauls in Test cricket history, achieving this in just 15 Tests and equalling England’s Johnny Wardle’s record. His final wicket was a cleverly disguised googly that trapped Jayden Seales lbw, sealing the West Indies innings for 248. India then enforced the follow-on, holding a commanding 270-run lead.
West Indies’ Day 3 resurgence powered by John Campbell and Shai Hope
Following their first innings dismissal, West Indies began their second innings facing a significant deficit and the pressure of follow-on. However, opening batter Campbell and experienced middle-order hitter Hope launched a spirited fightback, putting on an impactful partnership that shifted momentum.
Campbell, unbeaten on 87 off 145 balls with expert timing, brought resilience and class to the crease, while Hope supported with a fluent 66 off 103 balls, marking his first Test fifty in six years. Their partnership was marked by aggressive yet calculated stroke play with Campbell clearing the ropes twice and Hope hitting six boundaries and two sixes.
This counterattack helped West Indies reach 173 for 2 after 49 overs on Day 3, reducing India’s lead to 97 runs. The duo’s aggressive approach unsettled the Indian bowlers and a few close calls for Campbell, saved by DRS on multiple occasions, added to the drama. This resurgence has injected hope into the West Indies camp to push the match into a fourth day and avoid an innings defeat, setting up a gripping conclusion to this Test series.
Also WATCH: Shubman Gill takes a sensational catch to dismiss Tagenarine Chanderpaul on Day 3 of the Delhi Test
Here’s how fans reacted:
Magnificent from the West Indies today. It must be exasperating for their fans to know that this is possible and yet, to see it so rarely.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 12, 2025
Kuldeep Yadav has 332 International wickets at the age of 30 without getting a regular run 🫡
– He deserves to play for India in each & every game. pic.twitter.com/SrUCCLqg9X
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 12, 2025
High 5️⃣ to Kuldeep magic! 🙌✨
📸 : BCCI pic.twitter.com/XuL5h3ADQF
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) October 12, 2025
Kuldeep gets an opportunity. And he makes it count.
A well deserved five-wicket haul 🙌 #IndvWI— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 12, 2025
Shai hope and Campbell today. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/F7jPo5yN6B
— Gangadhar (@90_andypycroft) October 12, 2025
STUMPS ON DAY 3 AT DELHI.
West Indies in 2nd Innings – 173/2.
John Campbell – 87*(145)
Shai hope – 66*(103)– A FLIGHT BACK TO REMEMBER OF WEST INDIES. pic.twitter.com/yUN0iNW0a4
— MANU. (@IMManu_18) October 12, 2025
Wow, what a performance by West Indies, hard to believe my eyes. 😜
Thanks to Shai Hope and John Campbell for making it competitive, at least for one day!
A solid Sunday of Test cricket 🏏A rare wicketless session – 138 runs | 4 RPO
WI now 97 runs behind.#INDvWI pic.twitter.com/YAXILTyNHU— Mayank Kumar 🇮🇳 (@kumar_explorer) October 12, 2025
John Campbell – 87* (145)
Shai Hope – 66* (103).WEST INDIES 173/2 ON DAY 3 STUMPS – A FIGHTBACK TO REMEMBER. 💯 pic.twitter.com/xQHvSqql1R
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 12, 2025
John Campbell – 87* (145)
Shai Hope – 66* (103).WEST INDIES 173/2 ON DAY 3 STUMPS – A FIGHTBACK TO REMEMBER. 💯 pic.twitter.com/OeRLep6nkx
— lucknow वाले (@akhraash) October 12, 2025
Shai Hope was on 33 when today’s innings started for WI, and he’s still not out on 66 at the end of the day. He scored just 33 runs all day 😭😭😭😭 How on earth can someone watch this boring, rusty format! pic.twitter.com/AJAyI3wRCO
— Mahiya18 . (@mooniesssoobin) October 12, 2025
🚨 HALF CENTURY 🚨
8️⃣0️⃣ balls FIFTY comes up from Shai Hope
First Test FIFTY for Shai hope after 32 innings since January, 2019.#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/GBBQmyaKkG
— Cricket Addiction (@CricketAdd1ct) October 12, 2025
After India enforced the follow-on and picked up two early wickets, Shai Hope & John Campbell fought back superbly 🔥
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/4elRvChFKB#Cricket #INDvWI #ShaiHope #JohnCampbell pic.twitter.com/cswL18GAaW
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 12, 2025
Also WATCH: Mohammed Siraj cleans up Jomel Warrican with a stunning delivery on Day 3 of the Delhi Test
