When KL Rahul, India’s seasoned top‑order batsman, steered the hosts to 121/2 by stumps, the match in Ahmedabad turned into a statement of intent for a side shedding several legends.
Day one of the first Test between India and the West Indies unfolded at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, 2 October 2025. India bowled the visitors out for 162, thanks to a lethal spell from Mohammed Siraj (4/40) and tidy support from Jasprit Bumrah (3/42). The visitors’ fragile reply left them with a meagre lead of 41 runs, while Rahul’s unbeaten 53 anchored a partnership with Shubman Gill that steadied the Indian ship.
Day One Overview
The West Indies innings was a textbook illustration of disciplined fast‑bowling exploitation. Siraj ripped through the top order, dispatching opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul for a first‑ball duck, and Bumrah swiftly removed John Campbell for eight. Only Justin Greaves managed to cross the 30‑run barrier, finishing on 32. The most resilient stand was a 48‑run partnership between Roston Chase and Shay Hope, but it was too little, too late.
India’s bowlers were relentless. Siraj’s four‑wicket haul came at an economy of just 0.91, while Bumrah’s three wickets were taken at 1.34 runs per over. Kuldeep Yadav added two wickets for 25 runs in 6.1 overs, and Washington Sundar claimed a wicket for 30. Even part‑timer Nitish Kumar Reddy kept the run‑rate in check, conceding only 16 runs from four overs.
Bowling Masterclass: Siraj and Bumrah
Siraj’s spell was a blend of sheer pace and aggression. He opened with a full‑toss that rattled Chanderpaul, then followed with a well‑placed yorker that trapped the batsman LBW. His ability to swing the ball both ways, especially under lights, forced the West Indian batsmen into tentative footwork.
Bumrah, meanwhile, displayed his signature wrist‑position precision. After the early wicket, he targeted the corridor of uncertainty, edging out Campbell with a delivery just outside off‑stump. His third wicket—a clean bowled of Roston Chase—came from a slightly short ball that rushed through the gate, a typical Bumrah move that leaves batsmen helpless.
These two headliners combined for a ten‑wicket haul, a feat rarely seen in a debut Test of a series. Their partnership not only skittled West Indies but also set the tone for a new fast‑bowling era in Indian cricket, a shift away from the spin‑dominant legacy of the past decade.
India’s Batting Response
The Indian opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul began cautiously. A brief rain interruption added a layer of nervousness; the wet outfield meant the ball would carry less. Jaiswal fell for a modest 2, beaten by a probing delivery from Jayden Seales, the West Indian quick who claimed two early slips and a gully.
Sai Sudharsan, promoted to the top order, also couldn’t capitalise, edging a short ball from Chase for 5. At 28/2, the Indian innings looked shaky, but Rahul steadied the ship. His 53* was a textbook example of controlled aggression: he left the ball outside off, timed the on‑side drives, and rotated the strike with Gill’s deft placements.
Gill, who has been in and out of form this year, contributed a composed 25 not out at the end of day one. The partnership of 93 runs was built on patience rather than fireworks, a strategy that suits the long‑format game. Their unbroken stand at stumps ensured India trailed by just 41 runs—a psychological edge heading into day two.
New Era for Indian Cricket
What makes this Test truly historic is the absence of stalwarts who have dominated Indian line‑ups for the past decade: Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were all rested. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) used this match to audition a younger core, signaling a shift towards a faster, more aggressive brand of cricket.
Analysts are already drawing parallels with the 2016 home series against England, when India also fielded a relatively inexperienced side and emerged victorious. The current lineup blends youthful exuberance—Jaiswal, Sudharsan, and Seales—with seasoned pacemen like Siraj and Bumrah, creating a balanced attack that could dominate world cricket for years to come.
Looking Ahead to Day Two
Day two promises a tactical battle. West Indies will need to regroup, perhaps tightening their line‑up and introducing spin early to curb Siraj’s momentum. Their pace duo—Seales and Alzarri Joseph—must work out a plan to reverse the early damage.
For India, the question is whether Rahul and Gill can convert their partnership into a first‑innings lead. If they reach the 250‑run mark, the likelihood of a win skyrockets, given the pitch’s ability to hold up for the final two days. The selectors also have an eye on the middle order; a strong showing could cement the places of Jaiswal and Sudharsan for the remainder of the series.
- West Indies total: 162 all out (44.1 overs)
- India’s reply at stumps: 121/2 (45 overs)
- Top bowler for India: Mohammed Siraj – 4/40
- Top scorer for India: KL Rahul – 53*
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the early lead affect India's chances of winning the Test?
A 41‑run deficit after the first innings is minimal in a five‑day game. If India's top order builds on the Rahul‑Gill partnership and crosses the 250‑run threshold, the bowlers can apply sustained pressure, making a win highly probable.
What does the absence of senior Indian players mean for the team's future?
It signals a deliberate transition. Young talents like Jaiswal and Sudharsan now have a platform to prove themselves, while the pace attack, anchored by Siraj and Bumrah, could become the new hallmark of Indian Test cricket.
Who were the standout performers for West Indies?
Jayden Seales showed promise, picking up early wickets and later being named the pick of the West Indian bowlers. Justin Greaves was the highest scorer with 32, but the batting unit failed to provide a substantial partnership.
What are the pitch conditions likely to be for the remaining days?
The Narendra Modi Stadium’s surface has been firm and true, favouring pace early on and offering some turn later. If it stays true, both sides can expect balanced contests between bat and ball.
When is the next Test scheduled in the series?
The second Test will commence on 5 October 2025 at the Saurabh Sinha Stadium in Hyderabad, giving both teams a short window to regroup.