In a display of ruthless efficiency, India's pace attack dismantled the West Indies batting lineup on the opening day of the first Test at Narendra Modi Stadium. West Indies, opting to bat after winning the toss, crumbled to 162 all out in under 50 overs—a total that exposed their familiar frailties against quality swing and seam. Mohammed Siraj led the charge with a fiery 4 for 40, his variations leaving the top order in disarray, while Jasprit Bumrah mopped up the tail with three wickets, including a couple of late strikes that sealed the innings.
Indeed, the Caribbean side's decision to bat first under partly cloudy skies backfired spectacularly. They slumped to 90 for five by lunch, with early breakthroughs from Siraj troubling the openers and middle-order batsmen offering little resistance. Roston Chase provided a brief flicker of defiance, top-scoring with 37, but it was too little amid the procession of wickets. India's bowlers, sensing blood, maintained relentless pressure, turning what could have been a competitive start into a rout.
However, when India took guard, the pitch seemed to settle, offering some respite. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul forged a steady 50-run stand before Jaiswal fell short of a half-century, edging behind for 42. Sai Sudharsan, the debutant, lasted just seven balls, run out in a mix-up that drew a sharp reaction from Rahul. By stumps, India reached 109 for two in 31 overs, with Shubman Gill unbeaten on 28 alongside Rahul's 35. The hosts trail by 53 but hold all the aces heading into day two.
Moreover, this performance underscores West Indies' ongoing challenges in Test cricket, where their inexperience shows against a well-oiled Indian machine. The series, part of a packed home season, now hinges on whether the visitors can mount a comeback with the ball tomorrow.
As the Ahmedabad crowd disperses under the evening lights, one wonders if this early dominance will propel India toward a commanding series lead—or spark an unlikely West Indian revival.