The West Indies cricket team is wearing black armbands during the 2nd Test against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium as a mark of respect and tribute to former West Indies all-rounder Bernard Julien, who passed away earlier this week.

Julien, who represented the West Indies in the 1970s, was a key left-arm all-rounder known for his elegant batting and sharp seam bowling. He played 24 Tests and 12 ODIs between 1973 and 1977 and was part of the historic West Indies side under Clive Lloyd that helped shape the team’s dominance in world cricket. His contribution to Caribbean cricket, both as a player and later as a coach in Trinidad and Tobago, earned him widespread respect.

Before the start of play, as Anil Kumble rang the ceremonial bell, both teams and match officials observed a moment of quiet remembrance. The West Indies players walked out wearing black armbands, led by captain Roston Chase, as a symbolic gesture to honour Julien’s legacy.

Captains’ Remarks

Roston Chase (West Indies captain):

“We were batting first as well, the pitch looks dry, so not too worried. We had some deep discussions as batters — our main focus is to bat the whole day and face 90 overs. We’ll stay positive and play every ball on merit. Anderson Phillip comes in for Johann Layne, and Tevin Imlach replaces Brandon King. Phillip will take the new ball, and Imlach’s inclusion gives us strength against spin.”

Shubman Gill (India captain):

“We will bat first — the wicket looks good for batting on Day 1. Consistency and intensity are key for us. I enjoy the responsibility that comes with leadership, and the team is unchanged from the previous Test.”

Playing XIs

India (Playing XI):
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

West Indies (Playing XI):
John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope, Roston Chase (c), Tevin Imlach (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales

With India opting to bat first, the Test began under pleasant Delhi skies, with three slips and a gully set for Seales’ opening spell. The tribute to Bernard Julien added an emotional undertone to the start of the day’s play, reminding fans of the rich history and enduring spirit of West Indies cricket.