On October 2, 2025, the inaugural match of the India vs West Indies 1st Test kicked off at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The toss was won by Roston Chase, captain of West Indies, who elected to bat first. The home side, represented by the India cricket team, fielded a pace‑heavy attack headlined by Mohammad Siraj, fast bowler for India and Jasprit Bumrah, fast bowler for India. Leading the Indians was Shubman Gill, captain of India, who had declared before the match that "we won’t be looking for any easy options" against a rejuvenated West Indies side.
Day 1 Overview – A Bowling Showcase
West Indies struggled from the outset. The pop‑lawn, though described by pundits as “green‑looking”, offered just enough seam for the Indian pacemen to extract bounce and movement. Siraj was the stand‑out, ripping through the top order to claim 4 for 40 in 12 overs. Bumrah followed with three wickets for 42, his trademark yorkers unsettling the left‑handers. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav, left‑arm orthodox bowler for India added two crucial scalps, while Washington Sundar chipped in with a tidy 1 for 9. The West Indian line‑up collapsed for 162, with only Shimron Hetmyer reaching double figures (23). The total was the lowest by the tourists in India since the 2016 tour of England, underscoring how quickly the conditions turned in India’s favour.
Batting Response – Rahul’s Half‑Century Anchors India
Opening the chase, KL Rahul, batter for India walked to the crease with calm confidence. He and Yashasvi Jaiswal settled the early overs, stitching a 68‑run partnership for the first wicket (Rahul 17*, Jaiswal 36). Jaiswal fell at 68, but Rahul steadied the ship, cruising to an unbeaten 53 by stumps. Behind him, Shubman Gill, who had taken the ball for the toss, nudged 18 not out, and the duo added 31 runs from 79 balls before the close of play. India ended Day 1 at 121/2, still 41 runs shy of West Indies’ total, but with wickets in hand and a solid platform for a potential lead.
Team Selections and Tactical Battles
The line‑up revealed a selection dilemma that has kept India’s selectors up at night. Seven spots were locked in – Gill, Jaiswal, Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Bumrah, Siraj and all‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja – leaving four slots to be filled from a pool that included Prasidh Krishna, Nitish Reddy, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. The decision to back Yadav after a bench‑warmer tour of England paid immediate dividends, while the omission of veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted the board’s shift toward a more pace‑centric approach on supportive pitches.
West Indies, still reeling from a 5‑0 whitewash by Australia at home, went with a mix of experience and youth. Apart from Chase, they fielded veteran pacer Alzarri Joseph and spinner Rovman Powell. However, the lack of a genuine wicket‑taking spinner on a turn‑friendly surface left them vulnerable, a weakness that India exploited ruthlessly.
What the Result Means for the Series
Statistically, India’s first‑innings lead is a strong predictor of winning a Test – historically, teams that lead after Day 1 win about 70 % of the time. The early dominance of Siraj and Bumrah also sends a clear message: the Indian pace quartet is firing on all cylinders, despite the absence of the usual stalwarts Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma. Their unavailability, the first such instance since November 2010, forced the side to lean on younger talent – a gamble that appears to be paying off.
For West Indies, the 162 all‑out is a wake‑up call. Their batting coach, Daren Sammy, admitted after the innings that “the technique against high‑pace, short‑ball needs polishing”. The loss also puts pressure on Chase to steer his side out of a hole that could see the series swing 2‑0 in India’s favour before the second Test.
Looking Ahead – Day 2 Prospects
Day 2 promises a battle of tactics. India will likely stick with Siraj and Bumrah to keep the pressure, while giving Yadav a longer spell to exploit any turn. The third‑day pitch forecast suggests a little more wear, which could aid spinners – a scenario where Jadeja’s left‑arm orthodox turn could become a decisive factor.
Rahul, now settled on 53*, will aim for a maiden Test century. If he does, it could push India’s total past 300, creating a sizable lead. Meanwhile, West Indies will need to regroup quickly, perhaps sending in a more aggressive top‑order approach to chase the deficit after the second innings.
Gill’s leadership will be under scrutiny. He hinted during the pre‑match press conference that workload management for Bumrah will be "match‑to‑match". With Bumrah already delivering 3 wickets, the captain’s careful handling could preserve his stamina for the final days, a factor that often decides close series.
- West Indies 1st innings: 162 all out (All out at 162/10)
- India 1st innings (Day 1): 121/2, Rahul 53* (53 not out)
- Key bowlers: Siraj 4/40, Bumrah 3/42, Yadav 2/25
- Match dates: 2–6 October 2025
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect India's chances in the series?
A strong first‑innings showing puts India in a commanding position. Historically, teams leading after Day 1 win the match about 70 % of the time, so the early lead boosts India's odds of taking a 2‑0 series lead before the second Test.
What challenges does West Indies face after being dismissed for 162?
The low total exposes a fragile top order and a lack of a true wicket‑taking spinner. Coach Daren Sammy flagged technique against pace as a concern, meaning the visitors must adapt quickly or risk falling behind in the series.
Who are the key bowlers for India heading into Day 2?
Fast bowler Mohammad Siraj (4/40) and veteran pacer Jasprit Bumrah (3/42) will lead the attack, supported by spinner Kuldeep Yadav who already claimed two wickets. Their combined experience and form make them pivotal for maintaining pressure.
What impact does the absence of Kohli, Ashwin and Sharma have?
Their omission forced India to rely on younger talent. The performance of Siraj, Bumrah, Rahul and Yadav shows depth in the squad, suggesting the team can still dominate even without its marquee stars.
When is the next Test in the series?
The second Test kicks off on October 9, 2025, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, giving both sides a brief three‑day interval to regroup and tweak strategies.