The West Indies’ second innings took a shocking turn as Yashasvi Jaiswal took a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Shai Hope on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The enthralling moment unfolded in the 21st over of the West Indies innings.
Ravindra Jadeja delivered a short ball, and Hope tried to play off the back foot, aiming for a neat cut shot. But the ball took an unexpected bounce, flying higher than the West Indies wicketkeeper expected. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was stationed at the backward point, reacted swiftly.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brilliant catch sends Shai Hope packing in Ahmedabad
With a perfect dive sideways, Yashasvi Jaiswal showed superb agility and alertness and plucked the ball cleanly out of the air. The Indian opener immediately celebrated his brilliant piece of fielding, as Hope’s innings ended miserably at just 1 run off 14 balls.
The West Indies have found themselves in deep trouble at five wickets down in only 21 overs against India in the ongoing two-match Test series opener in Ahmedabad. They lost five wickets for just 46 runs while trailing India by 286 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
India eyes win over West Indies inside three days
India had already declared their innings at 448/5, with Ravindra Jadeja smashing a brilliant 104 and Washington Sundar remaining unbeaten on 9. Earlier, Dhruv Jurel and KL Rahul had also scored impressive centuries, as India took full control of the Ahmedabad Test.
Playing their first home Test of 2025, India looks set for a quick and emphatic victory, potentially wrapping up the match in just three days. The visitors are struggling to cope with India’s relentless and tight bowling.
Notably, India has been unbeatable against the West Indies at home since 1994, winning eight matches and drawing two, and the current dominance continues that streak.
Dhruv Jurel pays touching tribute to father and army
Earlier, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel opened up about his celebration that caught everyone’s attention. After reaching a hundred, Jurel held his bat vertically in front of his face and moved it to the side before saluting, looking at the sky.
He honored his father and the Indian Army, saluting their sacrifices and commitment. Jurel made it clear that cricket is a game, but he carries deep respect for the courage and dedication of the armed forces. He honors their service while contributing to Indian cricket.
Dhruv Jurel was quoted as saying by India Today: “The salute (celebration) after reaching my fifty was for my father, but for the hundred, it was something that I had in my mind for a very long time because I have been so close to the Indian Army; I’ve seen my father (Nem Chand, who served the Indian Army and participated in the 1999 Kargil War) since my childhood. What we do on the ground and what they do on the battlefield are very different, and you cannot compare that. I will always have my respect, and whatever I will do in the future will be for them.”