3rd Test – Kensington Oval, Barbados
India Tour of West Indies, July 2017
🟦 Prologue: The Oval of Old Echoes
Kensington Oval shimmered beneath a blazing Caribbean sun.
The sea breeze was subtle. The pitch wore a shade of mischief.
Barbados didn't just host cricket — it whispered its history.
Sir Garfield. Sobers. Lara. Chanderpaul.
Today, it was Verma's turn beneath the statues.
In the dressing room, Ishaan laced his boots in silence.
"Not here to roar. Just to remind."
🕘 Day 1 — First Innings Begins
India won the toss again. Batting first on a dry, cracked surface.
🟥 Score: 14/1 — Rahul gone early
Kohli looked down the staircase. Ishaan stood up.
No words exchanged. Just a nod.
The crowd clapped politely as he walked out, helmet under arm.
🟩 Over 6.3 – Alzarri Joseph to Verma
Ball: Length outside off, moving in off the seam.
Shot: Forward press. Defended tight to cover.
🎙️ Commentary – Harsha Bhogle:
"Ishaan Verma's technique isn't loud. It whispers under pressure."
🟥 Over 9.2 – Joseph to Verma
Ball: Short and hostile. Rearing up chest-high.
Shot: Ishaan rocked back, pulled it—clean over square leg.
SIX.
The sound was crisp, final.
Stump Mic (Joseph):
"You got that one. Next one's faster."
Ishaan (grinning):
"Good. So am I."
🧱 Partnership with Pujara
Ball by ball, dot by dot, the scoreboard ticked.
Pujara took blows. Ishaan took his time.
Over 20.4 – Chase to Verma
Ball: Flighted, off-stump.
Shot: Late cut, third man.
FOUR. Precise. Threaded.
🕒 Lunch: India 89/1
Ishaan: 38*(62)
Virat patted his shoulder in the tunnel.
"You're not surviving. You're steering."
Ishaan nodded. The fire was steady. Not blazing. But steady.
🟥 Over 37.5 – Bishoo to Verma
Ball: Leg-break, tossed up wide.
Shot: Big stride—inside out over cover.
FOUR. That took him to 49.
Next ball: flick through midwicket.
50 for Ishaan Verma! (off 85 balls)
No celebration. Just raised the bat quietly.
Crowd: A polite clap... then a few began to chant.
"Ver‑ma… Ver‑ma…"
🎙️ Commentary – Ian Bishop:
"He's earning this crowd the old-fashioned way — with patience, steel, and the occasional blaze."
⚔️ Fire vs Flight
Holder returned with the second new ball.
Over 62.2 – Holder to Verma
Ball: Seamed in from a hard length.
Shot: Clipped off hips. Single.
But then came spin again...
❌ Over 71.4 – Bishoo to Verma
Ball: Quicker one. Dragged short.
Shot: Pull attempted. Misjudged length.
Caught at deep square leg.
OUT for 81 (142).
Crowd: "Awwhh!"
But then—applause. The respectful kind.
Kohli (from the dressing room):
"He's back."
Ishaan walked off without looking up.
But his bat was pointed straight—no drag.
🟢 India Posts 389 all out
Pujara 72, Kohli 54, Ashwin 41
🟧 West Indies respond with 344
Chase 102, Hope 71
🟨 Day 4 — Second Innings Push
India led by 45.
They came out attacking.
When the score read 220/4, Kohli looked toward the bench.
"Verma. Pad up."
🟥 Ishaan's Second Innings
Intent from ball one.
Over 53.1 – Gabriel to Verma
Ball: Wide. Slashed hard. FOUR.
Over 54.4 – Holder to Verma
Ball: Overpitched.
Shot: Lofted straight. SIX.
🎙️ Commentary – Simon Doull:
"Where was this aggression in Antigua? Oh wait, he stored it."
Ishaan moved to 45*(45), then edged one through slip—FOUR.
Virat waved from the balcony.
"We declare next over!"
🏁 India Declares at 307/6
Target set: 353 runs
🟫 Final Day — Draw Earned
West Indies showed grit.
Shai Hope. Roston Chase. Dowrich.
All defied the Indian attack.
Match ends in a draw.
Series won 2–0 by India.
🌅 Final Scene — Sunset at the Oval
As the sun dipped into the Caribbean Sea, Ishaan sat alone on the balcony.
No press. No cameras. No interviews.
Bat resting beside him.
Sweat towel draped over neck.
Wind brushing his hair.
He didn't need words.
Just breath.
Just quiet.
Just this.