IND vs WI: Here’s why West Indies players are wearing black arm bands on Day 1 of the 2nd Test

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India are locking horns against West Indies in the second Test match at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The clash is taking at a pivotal juncture of the series, with both sides eager to seize a decisive advantage and etch memorable moments in the storied rivalry of Indo-Caribbean cricket.

India, captained by Shubman Gill, opted to bat first after winning the toss, with the pitch offering ideal conditions for batting on the opening day. The hosts remained unchanged from their previous encounter, reflecting confidence in their chosen eleven, while West Indies, under the leadership of Roston Chase, introduced Anderson Phillip and Tevin Imlach to bolster their lineup, especially in response to India’s formidable spin attack.

Throughout the morning session, cricket fans noticed West Indies players sporting black armbands – a somber but meaningful sight that immediately drew attention and prompted questions regarding its significance.

On the first day of the 2nd Test in Delhi, the entire West Indies squad walked onto the field wearing black armbands, signifying a heartfelt tribute to Bernard Julien – a legendary all-rounder who left an indelible mark on Caribbean cricket history. Julien, who passed away earlier this week, was a cornerstone of the West Indies teams of the 1970s, revered for his elegant batting style and potent left-arm seam bowling. He played 24 Test matches and 12 ODIs between 1973 and 1977 and was integral to the side captained by Clive Lloyd, which redefined the standards of world cricket.

His post-retirement contributions as a coach in Trinidad and Tobago also enriched the nation’s cricketing heritage, inspiring generations of young players and earning widespread admiration both on and off the field. In recognition of Julien’s enduring legacy, a moment of silence was observed before the start of play, accompanied by the ceremonial ringing of the bell by Anil Kumble, adding a sense of solemnity and respect to proceedings.

West Indies captain Chase shared his thoughts before the match, saying, “We had some deep discussions as batters – our main focus is to bat the whole day and face 90 overs. 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.” His words reflected the balance of remembrance and responsibility as the team sought to honour Julien’s memory while focusing on their performance.

India captain Gill commented on his leadership role and the decision to bat first, stating, “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.”

The West Indies players are wearing black armbands on day 1 as a tribute to former player Bernard Julien who passed away last week.

Julien was a member of the 1975 World Cup winning team. #INDvWI | #MenInMaroon

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) October 10, 2025

Also READ: IND vs WI, 2nd Test: West Indies make two changes to their playing XI, India remain unchanged

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

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