After being asked to bat, Team India got off to a solid start with captain Rohit Sharma and young prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal forging a 139-run opening stand in quick time. However, the West Indies bowlers struck back in the second session, pushing India to a challenging position at 182/4.
Kohli, playing in his momentous 500th international game, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 87 runs, showcasing his mastery and experience in crucial situations. He found an able partner in Jadeja, who displayed patience and determination with an undefeated 36 runs.
The pair adopted a cautious approach in the start of the third session, respecting the disciplined lines of the Windies bowlers. As they settled in, boundaries began to flow, and the duo took control of the match. Their unbroken 106-run partnership steered India to a formidable total of 288/4 at the end of the day’s play.
Kohli’s innings was especially significant as he now stands just 13 runs away from reaching his 29th Test century, a remarkable achievement that fans are eagerly looking forward to witnessing on the second day of the match.
Earlier, India capitalized on a strong foundation laid by Rohit and Jaiswal, both of whom achieved impressive half-centuries in the first session. The openers returned unbeaten at Lunch, with a partnership of 121 runs.
However, the hosts mounted a comeback in the second session when Jason Holder drew the first blood by dismissing Jaiswal (57). Shortly after, Kemar Roach got rid of Shubman Gill for a mere 10 runs. Captain Rohit was steadily approaching his second consecutive century in the series, but his innings was cut short at 80 by Jomel Warrican.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
That's Stumps on Day 1 of the 2⃣nd #WIvIND Test!
Solid show with the bat from #TeamIndia
* for @imVkohli
for Captain @ImRo45
* for @imjadeja
We will see you tomorrow for Dayaction!
Scorecardhttps://t.co/d6oETzoH1Z pic.twitter.com/FLV0UzsKOT
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 20, 2023
Virat Kohli becomes the first player to score a half-century in the 500th International match & the 5th highest run getter in int’l cricket
He is an inspiration for generations to come.
Wishing him many more milestones
Proud! Respect#ViratKohli #WIvIND#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/qMTbgyqUhy
— Heavenly (@heavenly01234) July 21, 2023
Day one has come to an end in Trinidad.#WIvIND #RallywithWI #WIHome
Live Scorecardhttps://t.co/AwkFln2z3D pic.twitter.com/LODsq6KUDK
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 20, 2023
Virat Kohli completed 2000 runs in WTC history and becomes the leading run scorer for India in Test Cricket 2023.#WIvIND pic.twitter.com/crjQghgrsg
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10) July 20, 2023
Stealing doubles since 2012’ ~ Virat Kohli to Joshua Da Silvia.
He actually meant it.#ViratKohli𓃵 #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/4Ygo5k64Nc
— Akshat (@AkshatOM10) July 20, 2023
GOAT drive#ViratKohli𓃵 @imVkohli
pic.twitter.com/btJhwb6h4C
— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) July 20, 2023
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