India vs Windies: Manish Pandey congratulates the team on a thumping victory

India batsman Manish Pandey has congratulated his teammates for their thumping victory over the visiting Windies side in the first of two-match Test series. The game was hosted by the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, and India’s batting line-up made it look like a batting paradise. They were led by debutant Prithvi Shaw, who raced to his maiden Test century off just 99 balls.

Then came the skipper – his calm and collected demeanour at the crease paid off in the form of his 24th Test century. Playing at his home ground, Ravindra Jadeja was finally able to notch up his maiden Test century, much to the delight of his teammates in the dressing room. India were also helped by the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant, who made sizable contributions but were unlucky to not get to their hundreds.

Windies fold against spinners

In reply, the Windies came crashing down like a house of cards. Mohammad Shami got the initial breakthroughs for the hosts, and then Virat Kohli decided to throw the ball to his spinners. Senior bowler Ravichandran Ashwin stepped up to the plate. Returning from an injury, the off-spinner bagged a four-for as the Windies were bundled out for a mere 181.

Enforcing the follow-on was the logical thing to do and Kuldeep Yadav wreaked havoc in the second innings with a five-wicket haul. Kieran Powell was the only batsman to show a hint of resistance, but a poor batting display from the others meant they were skittled out for 196 handing India a massive victory by an innings and 272 runs. Shaw was adjudged Man of the Match for his terrific knock which set the tone for India’s epic victory.

Manish Pandey took to Twitter to congratulate Virat Kohli and co, saying, “Utter Dominance in Rajkot !!! Congratulations Guys on the amazing victory @bcci #INDvWI #TeamIndia”

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