When KL Rahul finished the first day unbeaten on 53, India found themselves 121/2 at stumps, merely 41 runs behind a modest West Indian total of 162. The drama unfolded at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, October 2, 2025, where the home side seized control with a disciplined bowling display and a calm batting partnership.
Why the day mattered
The match marked a quiet ending to an era. For the first time in over a decade, stalwarts like Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were absent, leaving a younger cohort to script the narrative. The early wickets proved that the transition could be smooth, provided the new leaders rose to the occasion.
Bowling brilliance
The Indian attack was spearheaded by Mohammad Siraj, who ripped through the West Indian line‑up for 4/40. His length, coupled with subtle seam movement, forced the visitors into a nervous rhythm. Partnering him, Jasprit Bumrah added 3/42, delivering his trademark yorkers that rattled the stumps and left the batting side flustered. Kuldeep Yadav contributed a tidy 2/25, while Washington Sundar claimed one wicket. Even part‑timer Nitish Kumar Reddy bowled economically, conceding just 16 runs in four overs.
West Indies’ struggle
The visitors never really recovered from early setbacks. Five wickets fell inside the first session, and another five in the second, leaving them reeling at 84/10. Justin Greaves offered a glimmer of hope with a gritty 32, but he couldn't convert his start into a substantial innings. The most resilient partnership came from Roston Chase and Shay Hope, who added 48 runs before the inevitable collapse.
India’s reply
India's batting began on shaky ground. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan fell early – Jaiswal caught by Jayden Seales after a brief rain‑induced pause, and Sudharsan edged a low‑seam delivery from Roston Chase. At 26/2, the innings could have tilted, but Shubman Gill stepped up, joining Rahul at the crease. Their partnership, still unbroken at 121 runs, steadied the ship and set the platform for a potential first‑innings lead.
Key facts from Day 1
- West Indies 162 all out (38.4 overs)
- India 121/2 at stumps (43.2 overs)
- Mohammad Siraj 4/40, Jasprit Bumrah 3/42
- KL Rahul 53* (61 balls), Shubman Gill 31* (38 balls)
- First home Test for India without Ashwin, Kohli, Rohit, Rahane, Pujara since 2013
What the experts say
Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid praised the bowlers, noting, “Siraj’s bounce and Bumrah’s precision are exactly what you need on a flat track like Ahmedabad.” Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle added, “The day was less about big scores and more about the psychological edge – India showed they can dominate without their old guard.”
Looking ahead
Day two promises fresh challenges. West Indies will need to tighten their field placements and perhaps introduce a spin option earlier, while India hopes to extend the partnership and possibly push beyond 300. The series is scheduled for five Tests, with the next match slated for early December in Mumbai, so both camps have ample time to regroup.
Why this match matters beyond the boundary
Beyond the scoreboard, the match symbolizes a generational shift. With senior stalwarts retired or rested, the responsibility now rests on a cadre of players who have tasted success abroad but are still carving their legacy at home. How they handle pressure here could shape the composition of the Indian side for the next World Cup cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will India’s new batting lineup cope without the veteran quartet?
The early partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill suggests depth in the middle order. If they can convert starts into bigger scores, the team can offset the loss of experience. Consistency from the bowlers will also relieve pressure on the batsmen.
What were the decisive factors in West Indies’ collapse?
Siraj’s ability to extract bounce on a hard surface and Bumrah’s toe‑crushing yorkers were pivotal. The early loss of wickets also forced West Indies into a defensive mindset, limiting their scoring options and exposing them to sustained pressure.
Who stood out for the West Indies despite the defeat?
Justin Greaves’ gritty 32 gave the team a brief spark, and the Chase‑Hope partnership added some resistance. However, the lack of a substantial individual score proved costly.
What does the pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium typically favor?
Historically, the venue offers a true bounce and minimal turn, favoring pace bowlers who can maintain a disciplined line. Spinners tend to come into play later as the surface wears.
When is the next Test in the series scheduled?
The second Test kicks off on December 3, 2025, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, giving both sides a two‑month window to fine‑tune strategies.
