Revealed: Why West Indies wearing black armbands during second Test against India

The West Indies cricket team-led by Roston Chase, are wearing black armbands during the second Test match against India at Arun Jaitely Stadium in New Delhi. The West Indies are sporting black armbands as a tribute to Bernard Julien, who passed away earlier during the week on October 4, after the conclusion of the first Test match.

Who is Bernard Julien?

Bernard Julien is a West Indies cricketer who was part of the team's first-ever World Cup triumph in 1975. He passed away in Northern Trinidad at the age of 75. He represented the island nation in 24 Tests and 12 ODIs between 1973 and 1977, scoring two centuries and taking 50 Test wickets. He was a key performer in the 1975 World Cup, where his four-wicket hauls against Sri Lanka and New Zealand helped West Indies reach the final, and he contributed an unbeaten 26 in the title clash against Australia at Lord's.

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"As we honour Bernard Julien, we also recognise the importance of reflection and inclusion. The time has come to view that chapter of our history not through exclusion but through understanding," Dr Kishore Shallow, the President of Cricket West Indies, said in an official statement.

"To the family, friends, and loved ones of Bernard Julien, we extend our deepest condolences. His passing reminds us that a life devoted to purpose never truly leaves us. Cricket West Indies stands with you in this moment of loss, and we hope Bernard knew he was valued and loved by the cricketing family he helped to shape, and that he found peace knowing his contribution will always endure."

India vs West Indies 2nd Test

India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bat in the second Test match. The Men in Blue featured the same team, and West Indies featured two changes in their playing XI. Notably, India is leading 1-0 after winning the first Test match by 140 runs and an inning.

India vs West Indies playing XIs

India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravindra Jadeja, 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(w), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.