When KL Rahul lifted his bat to celebrate a hundred at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the roar from the crowd made it clear: India had taken a massive bite out of the West Indies in the opening innings of the first Test.
India posted 448/5 declared on Day 1, declared with a 286‑run lead, and wrapped up the match by lunch on Day 3. The hosts won by an innings and 140 runs, taking a 1‑0 lead in the West Indies tour of IndiaAhmedabad, a fixture that also counts toward the ICC World Test Championship.
Match overview
The West Indies were skittled for 162 in their first innings, a total that left the visitors staring at a massive deficit. India’s response was nothing short of clinical – a blend of power hitting and disciplined grind that saw four batsmen breach the three‑figure mark.
After India’s declaration, the visitors faltered again, slumping to 25/2 in their second innings before the umpire called an end to the contest. The early finish not only underscored India’s dominance on home soil but also sent a strong signal to the rest of the championship contenders.
Batting masterclass
Opening the innings, Shubman Gill set the tempo with a crisp 98‑run knock, just shy of a century. His 94‑ball effort included five boundaries and a couple of deft cuts through the off‑side.
But the heart of the innings was the fifth‑wicket partnership between Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja. Jurel, in only his sixth Test, smashed his maiden century with a six over mid‑wicket that drew a salute to the Indian Army. Jadeja, ever‑the all‑rounder, responded with a breezy 104, smashing five sixes and overtaking MS Dhoni’s record for most maximums by an Indian in Tests.
Meanwhile, India’s top order showed depth: after Rahul’s emotional 100 — dedicated to his infant daughter — the middle order kept the scoreboard ticking, adding 45 fours and eight sixes in total.
Spinning dominance
With the pitch beginning to wear, India’s spin attack came alive. Jadeja claimed the early wickets in the West Indies’ second innings, clean‑bowling opener John Campbell for 14. The delivery saw Campbell step forward, miss the ball entirely, and get caught at short leg by Sai Sudharsan.
Jadeja’s loop and flight proved too much for a side that struggled to generate any turn despite the rough patches. The spin duo, backed by sharp fielding from Yashasvi Jaiswal, kept the pressure relentless.
West Indies struggles
The visitors never found their footing. Their spinners lacked bite, and the batting line‑up crumbled under the combined weight of precise swing and turn. The second‑innings collapse to 25/2 highlighted a lack of experience on sub‑continental pitches. The atmosphere on the field was charged. Jaiswal and Jurel were heard exchanging banter, a tactic that reportedly irked veteran commentator Sunil Gavaskar, who quipped that batsmen might need noise‑cancelling headphones.
Even without the theatrics, the numbers told the story: West Indies managed just 162 and 25, while India’s single‑innings total eclipsed both.
Implications for the World Test Championship
Securing a 1‑0 lead at home puts India in a commanding position heading into the next two Tests. The points haul from a win by an innings is the maximum available, and it squeezes the West Indies’ chances of a series comeback.
Experts note that the margin of victory also boosts India’s net run rate, a tiebreaker in the championship table. With the series still two matches long, the visitors will need to overhaul their batting approach dramatically if they hope to stay in contention.
For fans, the match served as a reminder of why India’s home record is so feared. The blend of aggressive batting, quality spin, and electric crowd support makes the Narendra Modi Stadium a fortress that opposition teams dread.
Key facts
- Match: 1st Test, West Indies tour of India, part of ICC World Test Championship
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Result: India won by an innings and 140 runs (match finished on Day 3)
- Centuries: KL Rahul (100), Dhruv Jurel (101), Ravindra Jadeja (104)
- Standout partnership: Jurel & Jadeja – 206 runs for the 5th wicket
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect India's World Test Championship standing?
The win gives India the full 24 points available for a series‑winning innings victory, pushing them to the top of the Championship table. Their net run rate also improves, meaning even if other teams win later, India will retain a safety cushion.
What were the key factors behind West Indies' batting collapse?
A combination of unfamiliar sub‑continental pitch conditions, an incisive spin attack led by Jadeja, and poor shot selection led to early wickets. The team also lacked a clear game plan for handling the steep bounce and turn.
Who stood out for India besides the centurions?
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive field placements and vocal encouragement lifted team spirit, while Sai Sudharsan’s sharp catching contributed to crucial dismissals. Their energy complemented the main performances.
What can the West Indies do to bounce back in the series?
They need to adapt to the slow, turning surface by playing more spin‑friendly shots and rotating the strike. Selecting a specialist spinner for the next Tests and focusing on longer, patient innings could help them claw back points.
Why was the crowd’s reaction to the Jurel‑Jadeja partnership significant?
The partnership not only stole the game but also revived the stadium’s energy after a slow start. Fans cheered every boundary, waved flags, and even joined in Jurel’s salute to the Indian Army, turning the innings into a national moment.