When Ravindra Jadeja, all‑rounder for Team India smashed an unbeaten 104 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the visitors from the West Indies never really recovered. India wrapped up the first Test by an innings and 140 runs on Day 3, turning a home‑season opener into a statement of intent.
Match Overview
The 1st Test, India vs West IndiesNarendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad began with India winning the toss and electing to bat. A total of 448/5 declared set the tone, while the visitors struggled to 162 in their first innings and 146 in the second, bowled out in just 45 overs.
It wasn’t just the numbers that shocked; the way Indian bowlers and fielders dissected the Caribbean line‑up felt like a masterclass. By the time the lunch break on the third day rolled around, West Indies were 66/5, and the match was effectively over.
Batting Masterclass: India's Triple Centuries
India’s batting depth shone through three centuries. After a solid opening stand, the innings blossomed when Dhruv Jurel, the emerging wicket‑keeper‑batsman for Team India steadied the ship with a brisk 68. Jadeja then carried the run‑load, his unbeaten 104 featuring 12 fours and a six, anchoring the middle order.
Following Jadeja, Washington Sundar, a left‑arm spinner turned night‑watchman, surprised everyone with a gritty 77. His long‑haul innings, filled with patient defense and timely boundaries, ensured India crossed the 400‑run barrier without panic.
Even the tail contributed. The lower order added crucial runs, nudging the total to 448/5 declared, a score that left the West Indian bowlers scrambling for answers.
West Indies Collapse
The West Indies innings resembled a broken pencil – all points were blunt. In the first innings, they were skittled out for 162, with none of their top order passing 30. Their middle order crumbled under pressure from India’s spin duo and the relentless new‑ball attack.
Opening bowler Mohammed Siraj, fast bowler for Team India rattled early wickets, taking 2 for 21 in the first 10 overs. The pressure built, and by the time Kuldeep Yadav entered, the West Indies were already 70/4. Kuldeep’s leg‑breaks bamboozled the Caribbean batsmen, granting him 2 for 25.
Day 3 saw the second innings evaporate even faster. The West Indies could muster only 146 in 45 overs, losing wickets at a rate of one every 6.5 balls. Their top‑order captain, Shamarh Brooks, could not anchor the innings, and the lower order never found rhythm.
Bowling and Fielding Heroics
Jadeja’s own figures – 3 for 30 in 11 overs – were a highlight. He kept turning the ball on the hard Ahmedabad pitch, making the West Indian batsmen dizzy with his flight and turn.
Fielding was another story altogether. Nitish Kumar Reddy, a relatively new face in the side, took a high‑catch at deep mid‑wicket that set off a chain reaction of wickets. Not far behind, Yashasvi Jaiswal produced a spectacular grab at backward point, snatching a lofted drive off Siraj’s delivery.
These moments weren’t just about pride; they rattled the West Indies’ confidence, turning potential partnerships into quick dismissals.
Implications for the Series
With a 1‑0 lead and a massive cushion, India now controls the narrative of this two‑match series. The selectors can afford to rotate players ahead of the second Test in Chennai, knowing the visitors are on the back foot.
For West Indies, the defeat is a wake‑up call. Their lack of experience against quality spin on sub‑continental surfaces showed. Critics will demand a revamp of their batting technique, perhaps more emphasis on playing the ball late and using the feet.
From a broader perspective, the result re‑asserts India’s dominance in home conditions, echoing the 2021‑22 home series where they swept Australia and England. It also fuels the debate about the future of Test cricket in the Caribbean, where stadiums struggle to attract crowds after such lopsided outings.
Historical Context
India’s last loss on a home Test ground to the West Indies dates back to 2002, when the Caribbean side clinched a famous victory at Mohali. Since then, the Indian team has won 10 of 12 encounters at home, often by comfortable margins.
The 2025 triumph marks the second time India has won by an innings and over 100 runs against a Caribbean team, the first being the 2018 Pune Test where they prevailed by an innings and 114 runs.
Statistically, winning by an innings and 140 runs places this match among the top‑5 biggest margins for India in Test history – a testament to the all‑round depth that now defines the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect West Indies' ranking in Test cricket?
The loss drops the West Indies from 8th to 10th in the ICC Test rankings, shaving off 18 rating points. It also widens the gap to the tier‑one nations, making future series against top teams even tougher.
What were the key factors behind India's dominant batting display?
A blend of experience and youth paid off. Jadeja’s calm anchoring, Jurel’s aggressive intent, and Sundar’s resilience against the new ball created partnerships at crucial junctures, while the flat Ahmedabad pitch offered little assistance to the West Indian bowlers.
Will India rest any senior players for the second Test?
Team India’s management hinted at rotating a couple of senior pacers – notably Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami – to manage workloads ahead of the packed home calendar that includes a T20 World Cup.
How did the pitch conditions influence the match outcome?
The Narendra Modi Stadium surface was traditionally flat and true, favoring batsmen early on. As the game progressed, the pitch offered slight turn, which Indian spinners exploited, while the West Indies struggled to adjust to the low bounce.
What does this victory mean for India's chances in the upcoming World Test Championship?
The emphatic win boosts India’s points tally in the WTC, keeping them firmly in the top three. It also builds momentum heading into the series against England later this year, where a strong performance could solidify a semi‑final berth.
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