NEW DELHI: India opener KL Rahul faced a batting nightmare on the fourth day of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. On Monday, Rahul was hit painfully on the crease by a Jayden Seales defender at nearly 134 kmph, leaving him wincing and falling near the field in visible agony.The incident happened on the second ball of the third over, the fifth of Rahul’s innings. The right-hander was only milliseconds late, missing the line delivery, which hit his inside edge and hit the groin. Rahul immediately dropped his bat, removed his helmet and fell to the ground in excruciating pain. The physiotherapist looked after him for several minutes before he managed to get back on his feet. Showing remarkable resilience, Rahul went on to score 25 off 54 balls and remained unbeaten at stumps.Alongside him, B Sai Sudharsan was unbeaten on 30, as India closed the fourth day at 63/1 in 18 overs, chasing a modest target of 121. Despite the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul and Sudharsan ensured that India were well placed to chase down the remaining 58 runs on the fifth day and complete a series sweep 2-0.The pitch offered a slow bounce and some turns, but both hitters settled into a steady rhythm, negotiating both pace and spin without further setbacks. Although the target was small, day four was a reminder that Test cricket often offers unexpected moments and challenges.Watch the video hereEarlier, West Indies’ Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales tested India’s patience. With India starting the session with a single slip and spread platoons, Seales survived two tough chances when Rahul and Dhruv Jurel failed to keep the catches. Greaves reached his fifty before India’s decision to bring back Jasprit Bumrah bore fruit, as Seales moved straight to deep square leg, ending a stubborn last-wicket partnership and wrapping up the West Indies’ lively innings.Even though the visitors put up resistance, it was not enough to prevent India from being on the verge of a comfortable victory, with the fifth day expected to be a formality to secure the series.
