DREAM DEBUT

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Windsor Park, Roseau [July 12-14, 2023].

In the summer of 2023, the Indian cricket team toured the West Indies to play 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 5 T20 Internationals. The Indian squad was on the tour to the West Indies following a heartbreaking loss in the WTC Finals. As a result, they were keen to put the painful memories behind them and come back stronger. 

On a spinner-friendly wicket, West Indian Captain Kraigg Brathwaite won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision turned out to be a horrendous one as the duo of Ashwin and Jadeja blew away the West Indies batting line-up. The hosts were bundled out for just 150 in their first innings as Ashwin claimed yet another fifer. In response, the Visitors posted an impressive 421 in their first innings. The same happened because Captain Rohit Sharma and debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal scored magnificent hundreds in tough situations.  Interestingly, the batting conditions were not easy, but the duo just made it look simpler. Both Jaiswal and Sharma batted sensibly and did not take any unnecessary risks. Captain Sharma led from the front, and Jaiswal obediently followed his captain's footsteps. 

It is pertinent to note that the debutant batted for around 500 minutes in his very first innings. While doing so, he faced 387 deliveries in which he scored a majestic 171. Furthermore, Jaiswal also played his shots in between, which entertained the small crowd present in the stadium. Apart from Jaiswal and Sharma, King Kohli too scored a gritty 76 as the hosts struggled to pick up wickets. At a score of 421/5, Indians asked West Indies to bat again. 

It was certain that the Windies would lose the test, but no one could have imagined that they would get bowled out in just 50 overs. Ravichandran Ashwin was once again the leading wicket taker as he picked up 7 wickets in the second innings. The Visitors won the match by an innings and 141 runs, for which debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal was awarded the man of the match award. It was indeed a dream debut.

To watch the innings of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Click Here.