New Delhi, Oct 11 (NationPress) Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav collectively claimed four wickets as India strengthened their position in the second Test, leaving the West Indies at 140/4 after 43 overs at the end of day two, trailing by 378 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Shai Hope remained not out on 31, providing some resistance for the visitors after Jadeja (3-37) and Kuldeep (1-45) partnered to unleash a collapse from 87/1 to 107/4. Although the West Indies showcased more determination than in Ahmedabad, their innings was marred by lapses in focus—errors that have consistently plagued them in this series.

India's dominance was established through an impressive first-innings total of 518/5 declared, spearheaded by Shubman Gill's unbeaten 129 and Yashasvi Jaiswal's 175. With the pitch starting to deteriorate and India's spin trio finding their rhythm, the hosts are poised to capitalize on their advantage on day three.

The final session commenced with both Alick Athanaze and Tagenarine Chanderpaul appearing confident in defense, adeptly moving forward and back, undeterred even during a stretch of four consecutive maidens.

Athanaze took a liking to Kuldeep Yadav's bowling, executing cuts, lofts, sweeps, and reverse-sweeps, including a six and three fours. Kuldeep nearly trapped Tagenarine Chanderpaul lbw, but an inside edge saved him. With Chanderpaul hitting convincing boundaries off Jadeja and Athanaze employing sweep and lap shots off Washington Sundar, the West Indies managed their first fifty stand of the series.

However, Jadeja dismantled the 66-run partnership with a delivery that deceived Chanderpaul, resulting in a catch to a juggling KL Rahul at first slip. Athanaze soon followed, dragging a slower delivery from Kuldeep to mid-wicket for 41. Skipper Roston Chase was the next to go, attempting to flick a length ball to the leg side but offering a simple return catch to Jadeja.

Shai Hope continued to battle for the West Indies with elegant drives, scoring five boundaries in his first 38 balls. He and Tevin Imlach (14 not out) ensured that West Indies did not lose another wicket before day two's play concluded, once again favoring India.

Brief Scores: India 518/5 in 134.2 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 175, Shubman Gill 129 not out; Jomel Warrican 3-98, Roston Chase 1-83) lead West Indies 140/4 in 43 overs (Shai Hope 31 not out, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 34; Ravindra Jadeja 3-37, Kuldeep Yadav 1-45) by 378 runs.