During the first Test of the West Indies tour of India 2025-26Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, KL Rahul, India's top‑order batsman steadied the hosts with an unbeaten 53, putting India in a commanding position after West Indies were skittled for just 162 runs.
Day One Summary
The visitors, fielding a line‑up that included West Indies Cricket Team captain Kishen Shah, stumbled early on a green‑looking wicket. Mohammed Siraj ripped through the top order, claiming three wickets before lunch – two of them wobble‑seam deliveries that left the Caribbean batsmen probing at thin edges.
By the time the break rolled around, West Indies were six down for 48. A brief resurgence added 27 runs, but Siraj’s third breakthrough sent the score tumbling to 162 all out at stumps.
India’s reply began cautiously. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal saw off the new ball, but the real spark came when Rahul, who entered at number four, smashed a brisk 53* off 68 balls. With a solid partnership of 121 for the second wicket in just 38 overs, India finished Day 1 at 121/2, cruising at 3.18 runs per over.
Key Performances
Mohammed Siraj finished with figures of 3/45, his wobble‑seam action proving the most lethal weapon on a surface that seemed to favour pace. Siraj later said, "The pitch offered a little movement, and we stuck to our plan – bowl with discipline and let the ball do the work."
While Siraj starred with the ball, the spin department was on standby. Kuldeep Yadav, recalled after missing the England tour, was included for his wrist‑spin variety, though he did not bowl on Day 1.
Back at the crease, Rahul’s half‑century came off just 68 deliveries, featuring four fours and two sixes. He smirked after the innings, "I wanted to keep the scoreboard ticking and give the middle order a platform. The bowlers were brave, but we had to move the needle."
Ravindra Jadeja, who fielded at slip, took three sharp catches, showing why he remains a vital asset despite being omitted from the playing eleven for the historic first‑home Test without Ravichandran Ashwin in 15 years.
Team Selections and Strategic Moves
The line‑up reflected a balancing act by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Seven names – Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja – were virtually locked in. The remaining slots sparked debate.
Coach Rahul Dravid faced a crossroads: keep a third seamer in Prasidh Krishna or bolster depth with the batting‑oriented Nitish Reddy. In the end, the balance tipped towards pace, with Krishna named in the squad, while Reddy stayed on the bench.
Another surprise was the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan, who batted at number six and contributed a gritty 5 runs before settling in. His calm demeanor impressed captain Rohit Sharma, who said, "Sai’s technique is solid; give him time and he’ll become a reliable middle‑order option."
Implications for the Series
The early dominance gives India a statistical edge: a 162‑run first‑innings deficit is rarely overturned in sub‑continent conditions. Historian and former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar noted, "In India, a sub‑200 total usually forces a result within the five‑day window. The hosts have the tools to press home the advantage."
For West Indies, the collapse revives memories of their humbling loss to Australia just weeks earlier. Their captain, Kishen Shah, acknowledged the pressure: "We knew the tour would be a stern test after the Australian series. We need to regroup, trust our bowlers, and put up a stronger show in the second innings."
Moreover, the absence of Ashwin adds a narrative layer. Ashwin, the architect of India’s spin dominance for over a decade, is out due to injury. His replacement, either Kuldeep or Axar Patel, will have to fill a massive void, especially if the pitch flattens out on Day 2.
Looking Ahead to Day Two
Day 2 will likely see India extending their lead. With a solid partnership already set, the next question is whether Rahul can convert his half‑century into a century. The chase for a 250‑plus first‑innings total looms, and the Indian bowlers will be keen to exploit any fatigue in the West Indian lineup.
Weather forecasts predict clear skies, and the pitch is expected to settle, rewarding batsmen who can rotate the strike. That means spinners may finally get a longer leash, and the decision on whether to unleash Kuldeep early will be scrutinised.
In the broader picture, the series is a litmus test for India’s bench strength ahead of the upcoming home season against England and Australia. A strong start against a side rebuilding after the Australian debacle could cement confidence across the squad.
- West Indies all out for 162 (Day 1)
- India 121/2 at close, Rahul 53* (Day 1)
- Mohammed Siraj 3/45, wobble‑seam effectiveness
- Key players: KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja
- Series runs Oct 2‑6, 2025 at Narendra Modi Stadium
Frequently Asked Questions
How does India’s Day 1 lead affect West Indies’ chances?
A 162‑run deficit puts the West Indies under immense pressure. Historically, teams batting second in India rarely overturn such a gap unless the pitch deteriorates dramatically, which is unlikely in the early days of the Test.
What role will Kuldeep Yadav likely play in the series?
Kuldeep is expected to provide wrist‑spin variation once the pitch flattens. If India’s pacers break through early, Kuldeep could become the wicket‑taking option in the middle overs, especially against a West Indies side that struggled with seam movement.
Why is Ravichandran Ashwin’s absence significant?
Ashwin has been India’s premier spin bowler for 15 years, often turning matches on a dime. His injury forces India to rely on less experienced spinners, testing the depth of their bowling unit ahead of the busy home schedule.
What does the win‑loss record suggest for the remainder of the series?
India have won 71% of their home Tests in the last decade when posting first‑innings scores above 300. With a solid start, the odds now heavily favour a series win, though weather or a dramatic West Indian comeback could still swing things.
When is the next match in the series scheduled?
The second Test will begin on October 8, 2025, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, continuing the five‑day tour that runs through October 22.
Amber Brewer
October 3, 2025 AT 05:36Siraj’s wobble‑seam really gave the West Indies a headache early on. The green‑looking pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium tends to reward those who can swing the ball both ways. On Day 1 we saw three crucial wickets before lunch, which set the tone for the rest of the innings. India’s top order capitalised on that pressure, especially with Rahul’s quickfire 53*. If the seamers keep that line, the hosts will likely push past 300 soon.
Keep an eye on the second‑day pitch – it should start to flatten and favour the batsmen.