Key Positives For India From The Tests vs West Indies

image-lki60nrxMukesh Kumar, Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal: The Three Men In White (Twitter)

Even before arriving in the Caribbean, the general feeling regarding the fate of the outcome was inclined towards the visitors’ favour. Not that anything changed drastically except the fate of the Second Test at Trinidad being completely in the rain gods’ favour. 

But the way India played and dominated, outperforming the West Indies in all departments of the game was a testimony of the team’s valour and the tireless desire to win. 

Yet, what were the biggest positives for the touring Indian side?   


Mukesh Kumar’s Impressive Debut 

image-lki5pv2zMukesh Kumar pulled off an unbelievable spell against West Indies. (Twitter)

The recently concluded Test series saw among the many positives, the timely and necessary arrival of Mukesh Kumar as one of the new fast bowling finds of India. For sure, he didn’t pick up a heard of wickets out there in the Caribbean but combining great discipline and nagging accuracy, the 29-year-old seamer, known mostly for his IPL performances, impressed. 

Surely, Mukesh Kumar may have felt some nerves when he wasn’t picked for the series opener at Dominica; but the waiting was well worth everyone’s patience including that of the Bengal pacer. 

At Trinidad, contesting on a placid wicket, Mukesh Kumar claimed his debut wicket of McKenzie, yet another Test newcomer and perhaps a find for the West Indies. 

On the whole, Kumar’s debut five day contest saw two prized wickets, the other of courageous young West Indian batter Alick Athanaze, whose 37 did at some time seem threatening enough to culminate into a big score. 

Although he’s played just one international game for India, Mukesh Kumar inspires confidence that with more focus and work on his game, he can go a long way. 


Yashasvi Jaiswal's Brave New Approach

image-lki5jqraThe future of Indian cricket is here unquestionably, Yashasvi Jaiswal. (Twitter)

For someone who made light work of the bowlers in the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League, Jaiswal, a Rajasthan Royal turned a royal batter in his very first assignment at the Test match level. 

His 171 at Dominica, a knock that saw the batter last for no fewer than 387 deliveries was an exhibition of patience and courage. Surely, in front of the powerful Indian line up, the West Indies bowling, which in Dominica didn’t feature Shannon Gabriel, may not have seemed all that much; but not once during his maiden knock did Jaiswal seem a beginner at the Test level. 

Exhibiting great patience whilst never really discarding the desire to engage in stroke-making, Yashasvi Jaiswal grabbed the maiden chance to shine with both hands and emerged a resilient victor. 

Moreover, proving that his maiden Test century was no accident or flash in the pan moment, the left hander went on to hit another fine fifty in the very next contest, this time on a completely different venue. 

His attacking shots particularly off Alzarri Joseph and the veteran Kemar Roach exhibited full intent.  India have truly found an opening batter that, as of now, likes to convert fluent starts into meaningful scores. May that continue to happen. 


King Kohli’s Dominance

image-lki5h7j5King Kohli is truly a legend who is unstoppable and limitless. (Twitter)

When the King’s play, then those by his side as also against him only stand in true witness of his greatness. Whilst Virat Kohli’s half century at Dominica was in some ways lacking the customary aggression and freedom of expression, if one noted, his brilliant hundred at Trinidad asserted his might at the highest annals of the game once again. 

The 29th century from the bat of the famed member of the Fab Four of world cricket resurrected Virat Kohli to the position of being the sensational batter he’s always been. 

And this 121 off 206, a timely and diligent century not only put India on the driver’s seat, in some ways it perhaps also revived Kohli’s desire to score big runs in the format he’s always loved. 

On the whole, the modern day great amassed 197 runs from just 2 games at a whopping average of 98. 

Could there be a bigger positive for India?