India opted for consistency, retaining the same XI that had crushed West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the first Test at Ahmedabad . Winning the toss at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, captain Shubman Gill elected to bat first, signaling intent to build on the dominant display earlier in the series .

The hosts got off to a solid start, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal leaving the new ball behind, trading boundaries and rotating strike. But just when Rahul looked settled, left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican got the breakthrough - the batter was stumped after misreading the sharp spin, departing for 38 . At lunch, India stood at 94 for 1, with Jaiswal unbeaten on 40 and Sai Sudharsan supporting on 16 .

Despite the early wicket, the steady platform laid by the openers leaves India in a favourable position going into the afternoon session.