Ajinkya Rahane, who scored his seventh Test century, is confident that they can inflict an innings defeat against the hosts. India declared at 500 for 9. India has scored enough runs and now its up to bowlers to do their job.
Rahane remained unbeaten on 108 and this was his third century in four innings. He had scored twin hundreds against South Africa at Delhi in 2015. The ease and the class he has shown is impeccable.
WI would be under pressure to perform and better their first innings performance and going by the recent history Windies would struggle to put up a fight. They were totally outplayed in Antigua and suffered a humiliating defeat.
India declared at 500 for nine on Monday. Rain wiped out the remainder of the day.
“Initially, in the morning, we wanted to play normal cricket. Unfortunately, Wriddhiman Saha got out just before lunch. That partnership was really important for us. The plan was to bat once and bat long and I think we did that,” said Rahane.
Rahane, who scored his seventh Test century (108 not out), said: “After lunch the plan was to play positive and try and get a 300-plus lead.”
Ajinkya Rahane has performed admirably and scored hundreds in New Zealand, England, Australia, Sri Lanka and now in the Caribbean. He scored 96 in South Africa and 98 in Bangladesh.
Asked about the possibility of tropical storm Earl hurting India’s chances of a win in the second Test, Rahane said: “We can’t control the rain. On these islands it rains but clears quickly also. You can’t be thinking about the weather and playing. Anyway there is plenty of time left in the Test match.”
India would hope that rain stays away and they will have two full days play to take remaining 10 wickets in West Indies’ second innings. Virat Kohli would like to wrap up the match and take 2-0 lead heading into third Test at St Lucia.