India seized control of the first Test against West Indies in Ahmedabad on Thursday, thanks to a brilliant spell from Mohammed Siraj and a composed half-century from KL Rahul. The visitors were bundled out for 162 in just 44.1 overs, before India reached 121-2 at stumps.
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Siraj was the star of the day, returning figures of 4-40 and continuing his fine run of form that saw him excel in the recent England series. “The England series gave me a lot of confidence. It was competitive cricket against a strong side, so to perform there gives you added belief,” Siraj said after play.
Opting to bat first, West Indies faltered against India’s pace attack. Siraj struck early, dismissing opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul for a duck, and went on to pick three wickets in his fiery first spell of 3-19 from seven overs. He later added a fourth scalp to complete a dominant performance.
Support came from Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed three wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav’s left-arm wrist spin accounted for two crucial dismissals, including Shai Hope (26) just before lunch.
Number seven Justin Greaves top-scored with 32, but the West Indies innings lacked partnerships. Captain Roston Chase (24) tried to steady the ship, yet wickets kept tumbling. Jomel Warrican admitted after the day’s play: “We, as a batting unit, have to come together to score more runs on the board.”
This collapse continued a worrying trend for the visitors, who earlier this year suffered a 3-0 drubbing against Australia, including being bowled out for 27—the second-lowest score in Test history.
In reply, India’s openers adopted a cautious approach before Yashasvi Jaiswal began playing his shots. He made 36 before edging Jayden Seales behind. Soon after, Sai Sudharsan fell lbw to Chase for 7, but KL Rahul ensured stability with an unbeaten 53—his 20th Test fifty.
Rahul found an able partner in captain Shubman Gill (18 not out), as the pair added an unbroken 45-run stand to guide India safely to stumps.
With a 41-run deficit and eight wickets in hand, India already look in command of the match. Given West Indies’ depleted squad—missing injured pacers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph—the hosts remain strong favorites to push for victory and a series sweep.
