Siraj , Rahul power India to strong position vs West Indies on day1 of 1st test

 

Team India carried the confidence of having drawn a tough away series against a strong England side, and that momentum was evident from the very first day of the opening Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad. As many had predicted, the visitors—already considered far weaker than India in terms of strength and depth—struggled to put up any resistance. By stumps on Day 1, India were firmly in control, just 41 runs short of surpassing the West Indies’ modest first-innings total, with the promise of building a massive lead.

After winning the toss, West Indies skipper Roston Chase opted to bat first on a green-tinged surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium, under cloudy skies. The decision quickly backfired. India’s pacers exploited the conditions to perfection, ripping through the batting lineup. Mohammed Siraj was sensational, claiming 4 wickets for 40 runs with relentless accuracy. Jasprit Bumrah was fiery and unrelenting, taking 3 scalps. Kuldeep Yadav added 2 wickets with his spin, while Washington Sundar chipped in with 1. The visitors crumbled to a paltry 162 before tea, with Justin Greaves top-scoring with a fighting 32. Roston Chase (24) & Shai Hope (26) were other main scorers but none of them could play a big innings . 

India’s reply began with composure from openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Both displayed remarkable patience early on, especially as a short spell of rain halted play. Once the skies cleared, the duo shifted gears, finding fluency and timing. Jaiswal, however, fell for 36, attempting a flashy drive outside off-stump, only to edge behind to wicketkeeper Shai Hope. Soon after, Sai Sudharsan, who had endured a lean run in England, failed to make amends at his home ground despite his familiarity with the pitch. The 23-year-old left-hander was trapped leg-before for just 7, trying an ill-judged cross-batted stroke against Chase. India were suddenly two down for 90.

Despite the setbacks, Rahul stood firm, blending caution with occasional strokes of authority. Though he appeared uncomfortable with a hamstring niggle, his concentration never wavered. His composed knock was rewarded with a gritty half-century, reaching the milestone off 101 balls. At the close of play, India were well placed at 121 for 2, with Rahul unbeaten on 53 and captain Shubman Gill solid on 18 not out.

The day’s play underlined the gulf in quality between the two sides. India’s bowlers dictated terms from the start, and with Rahul anchoring the innings alongside Gill, the hosts look primed to build a commanding first-innings lead as the match progresses.