NEW DELHI: The intense Delhi heat took a visible toll on Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, who collapsed from exhaustion during the second session on Day 4 of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday. The dramatic moment unfolded after Siraj bowled a demanding six-over spell post-lunch in sweltering conditions.
Visibly drained, Siraj trudged back to the Indian dugout and slumped into a chair, prompting the team’s medical staff into quick action. An ice pack was placed on his head and face to cool him down, while the physiotherapist worked on easing his feet with a massage. The scene caught the attention of fans and commentators alike, with former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik jokingly calling it “king-like treatment” on air.
“What we see right now is fast bowlers being treated like kings after a hard spell,” Karthik quipped. “It’s the same everywhere—on the ground and even in the commentary box. We’ve got to be careful with Bish (Ian Bishop) though—he needs ice straight on his head to calm down at times. For Bish and for Siraj,” he added with a laugh.
Siraj’s exhaustion was a stark reminder of the grueling playing conditions. Temperatures soared while the Indian bowlers were made to toil, especially as West Indies mounted a strong fightback. Resuming at 173/2, overnight batters John Campbell and Shai Hope displayed resilience, with Campbell converting his 87 into a maiden Test century—the first by a Windies opener since March 2023. Hope also reached three figures as the duo stitched together a 177-run partnership, eventually broken by Ravindra Jadeja.
Captain Roston Chase added a valuable 40, and Justin Greaves notched a half-century as the visitors posted 390 in their second innings, setting India a target of 121 for a series sweep.
For India, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah picked up three wickets apiece. Earlier, India had declared at 518/5 in their first innings before bowling West Indies out for 248, forcing the follow-on with a 270-run lead.
Despite the uphill battle, the West Indies showed grit on Day 4—and the toll of that resistance was most visibly seen in Siraj’s dramatic moment on the sidelines.
