When Mohammed Siraj, fast bowler of India, rattled the stumps at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 2 October 2025, the first day of the Test against the West Indies turned into a demolition derby. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s spearhead with the new ball, followed with three more wickets, while KL Rahul, the seasoned top‑order batsman, anchored the reply with an unbeaten 53. The swing of the day was clear – India’s pace attack dismantled the Caribbean side for 162, and the hosts posted 121/2 by stumps, leaving a slender 41‑run deficit.
Background and Venue
The Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket arena with a capacity of over 132,000, has been a fortress for the Indian team since its reopening in 2020. The pitch, prepared by former Indian coach Mickey Arthur, offered a subtle seam and moderate turn – conditions that favour disciplined fast bowlers and technically sound batsmen. The West Indies won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that historically suits sub‑continental venues but proved disastrous against a firing Indian attack.
Day 1: West Indies Batting Collapse
Opening the innings, Justin Greaves made a tidy 32 before being caught behind off Siraj’s swing. The early wickets piled up quickly; by lunch the hosts were 90/5. A fleeting partnership of 48 runs between Roston Chase and Shai Hope offered a glimmer of resistance, but Siraj’s lethal outswing and Bumrah’s toe‑crushing yorkers broke it apart. Siraj finished with 4 for 40, Bumrah with 3 for 42, and the innings folded at 162 all out.
West Indian pacemen Johann Layne and Jomel Warrican struggled to find rhythm, conceding 5.5 runs per over on a surface that should have rewarded patience.
India's Bowling Masterclass
Siraj’s spell was a textbook display of swing and aggression. He bowled a tight line at the off‑stump, exploiting the slight movement off the seam, and dismissed four of the top five with a combination of in‑swingers and bouncers. Bumrah complemented him with pinpoint accuracy; his three‑wicket haul featured two reverse‑swing deliveries that rattled the lower order.
Spin support came from Kuldeep Yadav, who squeezed out 2 for 25 in 6.1 overs, and Washington Sundar added a crucial wicket. Even part‑timer Nitish Kumar Reddy bowled economically, giving away just 16 runs in four overs.
The collective effort reduced the West Indies to a sub‑par total on a pitch that was expected to be batting‑friendly, underscoring India’s depth in both pace and spin.
KL Rahul's Steadying Innings
When the Indian openers walked out, the scoreboard read 0/0. Rahul, already a seasoned campaigner with over 5,000 Test runs, took his guard and began a measured innings. Partnering with Shubman Gill, he showcased a blend of textbook drives and late cuts, unsettling the West Indian bowlers.
By the close of play, Rahul was unbeaten on 53, having faced 89 balls with a strike rate of 59.55. He later reflected, “We knew the pitch would help us later, so I tried to keep one eye on the bowlers and the other on the conditions – staying patient is key in Tests.” His composure set the tone for the rest of the batting lineup.
Gill, meanwhile, was still finding his footing against the disciplined West Indian attack but managed 12 runs before lunch. The pair ended the day at 121/2, leaving India just 41 runs behind but with eight wickets in hand.
Implications and What Lies Ahead
The early dominance sends a clear message: India’s home advantage is more than just crowd support. Their bowlers exploited the seam and swing, while the top order showed the temperament required for a five‑day contest. The West Indies, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly. Their bowlers must extract more from the same surface, and the batting order will be under immense pressure to avoid another collapse.
Analysts predict that if India maintains this balance, the series could tilt heavily in their favor, possibly leading to a 2‑0 lead by the end of the third Test. For the Caribbean side, a resurgence will hinge on adapting to the conditions and perhaps reshuffling the top order.
- West Indies all out for 162 (Siraj 4/40, Bumrah 3/42)
- India 121/2 at stumps (Rahul 53*, Gill 12)
- Key performers: Siraj, Bumrah, Rahul
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Next session: India’s chase resumes at 121/2 on Day 2
Frequently Asked Questions
How did India’s bowlers dismantle the West Indies?
Siraj’s swing at 97 km/h and Bumrah’s toe‑crushing yorkers in the first 20 overs generated early breakthroughs. Both bowled tight lines, forcing the West Indian batsmen into mistakes, and together claimed seven wickets for just 82 runs.
What does KL Rahul’s unbeaten 53 mean for India’s chase?
Rahul’s innings anchors the chase, showing patience on a tricky surface. His partnership with Gill sets a platform that could see India overtake the deficit without losing momentum, especially if the middle order continues to rotate the strike.
Which West Indian batsmen showed any resistance?
Roston Chase and Shai Hope combined for a 48‑run stand, the highest partnership of the innings. Greaves also contributed 32 runs, but none could convert starts into a substantial total.
Will the pitch favor bowlers again on Day 2?
Pitch reports suggest modest wear will aid the spinners later, while the seam movement will persist for the pacers. Expect India’s bowlers to continue extracting bounce and swing, especially in the early sessions.
What does this start mean for the overall series?
A dominant first day puts India in a strong position to dictate the series tempo. If they maintain pressure, a 2‑0 lead by the third Test is plausible, leaving the West Indies with little margin for error.
