India vs West Indies, Second Test: 3 things we learned from Day 2

In an absorbing second day of the ongoing Test match between India and West Indies at Hyderabad, both the teams were in the game for an equally good period of time.

Riding on the back of Umesh Yadav's quick spell in the morning, India wrapped up West Indies for merely 311 runs. Yadav registered his best figures of 6 for 88 in Test cricket and his only second 5-wicket haul in his career. However, later in the day in the second session, it was for the first time that the visitors looked to dominate with the ball in the entire series.

Jason Holder and Co. struck thrice in the Post-Lunch session to push India on to the backfoot with a prized scalp of Virat Kohli for just 45. But the bowling group failed to capitalize as the partnership between Rahane and Pant helped India end the day with a slight edge over the visitors.

India still has the batting to follow with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin equally capable of scoring runs in such conditions. The duo saw the third session unscathed as India went into stumps with 308 runs for the loss of 4 wickets still trailing by 3 runs in the first innings.

Here's a look at three things we learned from the play on Day 2:

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#3. West Indies missed their skipper at Rajkot severely

Jason Holder

Jason Holder, the skipper is the vital cog in the wheel for the West Indies, especially in the longest form of the game. The 26-year old might be young but boasts of enough experience in this format of the game. He's a crucial player for his side not only as a skipper but also as an all-rounder who adds a great amount of value to his side, both with bat and ball.

The visitors severely missed his services in the first Test as they were decimated by the hosts and were a no match to the Virat Kohli-led side. Windies looked in all sorts of trouble at Rajkot as Holder's absence was visibly felt. In this game, he contributed with the bat yesterday and even got the wicket of Kohli and Rahul with the ball.

#2. KL Rahul's struggle for form continues

KL Rahul

KL Rahul's lean patch of runs has now extended for a time more than one would expect. He had a poor run of form against England in the entire 5-match Test series until he struck a century in the last innings of the series at The Oval. It was a herculean effort form the youngster to slam his critics and give a signal of a return to form. However, it didn't fare the way he would have liked.

In both the innings so far in the ongoing Test series, Rahul's inability to play the incoming deliveries got exposed and was even caught lbw in the game at Rajkot. In his bid to revive his Test career back to the road, it is necessary for the 26-year old to strike form as quickly as possible. He might get another go in the second innings to prove his mettle and secure a berth in the upcoming tour down under.

#1. This bloke can even bat T20 style

The fans learnt something new about Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw, who debuted in the first Test against West Indies, showed one more dimension in his game today while batting at Hyderabad. The 18-year old bloke proved to be too good for the opposition and continued from where he left in his debut game. His attacking approach came to the fore as he played quick fiery innings at the top of the order.

At the other end, where KL Rahul was struggling for form, Shaw was timing the ball as good as ever. He blazed his way to a brisk 70 with some glorious T20 shots in just 53 deliveries. His shots to play on the up was a reflection of the youngster brimming in confidence after a century on debut in the previous game. If the lad continues to bat the way he did, it will be a no surprise if he starts for India on December 6 against Australia in Adelaide.