New Delhi, Oct 13 (NationPress) The intense heat of Delhi became overwhelming for Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who dramatically fell victim to exhaustion during the second session on Day 4 of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday. This alarming incident occurred after Siraj completed a challenging six-over spell post-lunch, pushing his physical limits in the grueling afternoon sun.

Looking visibly fatigued, Siraj staggered into the Indian dugout and promptly collapsed onto a chair, prompting immediate medical assistance from the team's support staff. An ice pack was quickly applied to his head and face to help reduce his body temperature, while the physiotherapist worked on massaging his feet to ease muscle tension. The intensity of the moment did not go unnoticed, as former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik lightened the atmosphere by referring to it as 'king-like treatment' on air.

"What we are witnessing right now is fast bowlers receiving royal treatment after a strenuous spell. This happens everywhere, by the way. I want to remind viewers that this applies not only on the field but also off it, including in the commentary box. We have to be cautious when discussing this with Bish (Ian Bishop), though. The ice needs to be placed directly on the head to calm him down at times. For both Bish and Siraj," Karthik remarked.

This incident underscored the harsh playing conditions, with temperatures soaring and India’s bowlers forced to labor.

Earlier in the day, the West Indies started on 173/2, with overnight batters John Campbell and Shai Hope displaying remarkable tenacity. Campbell converted his 87 into a maiden Test century, marking the first hundred by a West Indies opener since March 2023, while Hope followed suit with a century of his own. The duo forged a commanding 177-run partnership before Jadeja broke the stand.

The visiting team continued to fight back, with captain Roston Chase contributing 40 runs before Justin Greaves completed his half-century, setting a target of 121 for India to secure the series sweep.

For India, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah each took three wickets, dismissing the Windies in their second innings for 390 runs.

The West Indies began Day 4 facing a daunting challenge, having been forced to follow on after India declared their first innings at 518/5 and bowled them out for 248, establishing a 270-run lead. However, the visitors displayed resilience, and as their lead increased, so did the strain on India’s bowlers—most notably on Siraj.