August 13, 2016, remains a proud day in recent Indian cricket history. On that day at the Darren Sammy National Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, India completed a comprehensive 237-run victory over West Indies in the third Test. The result handed Virat Kohli’s team an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series and confirmed their fourth series win on Caribbean soil. The match was not straightforward. Rain washed out the entire third day, leaving India with limited time to force a result. Despite that, the Indian team showed clear intent. In the first innings, R Ashwin and Wriddhiman Saha put on a big partnership. Ashwin scored 118 while Saha made 104, helping India reach 353. Bhuvneshwar Kumar then produced a brilliant spell of swing bowling, taking 5 for 33 as West Indies were dismissed for 225.
On the fourth evening and fifth morning India pushed on aggressively. Ajinkya Rahane remained unbeaten on 78 as the visitors declared at 217 for 7 and set West Indies a stiff target of 346. The batting line-up of the West Indies struggled against the Indian pacers. Mohammed Shami took three wickets, Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in, and the hosts folded for just 108. Darren Bravo’s 59 was the highest score for the hosts. Ashwin was the Player of the Match for his all-round contribution.
One thing that stood out that day was India’s aggressive approach. They refused to settle for a draw even after losing a full day to rain. The seamers bowled with discipline, the spinners offered control, and the batters showed the right balance of patience and aggression. It was a side still building its overseas performances under Kohli and this win was extra special. It was a complete performance at St Lucia. Ravichandran Ashwin was the star of the show with his all-round performance on this day nine years ago.
