IND vs WI 2025-26, 1st Test, Day 1: Siraj and Bumrah’s 7-82 skittle West Indies for 162; KL Rahul’s 53 guides India to 121-2.
Brief scores: WI 162 (Justin Greaves 32, Mohammed Siraj 4/40) lead IND 121/2 (KL Rahul 53*, Jayden Seales 1/21) by 41 runs at stumps on Day 1.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first backfired for West Indies, as India’s pacers ripped through their lineup to bowl them out for just 162. Mohammed Siraj led the charge with a fiery opening spell, supported by Jasprit Bumrah, who struck early and returned to clean up the tail.
Kuldeep Yadav marked his comeback with two wickets, while Washington Sundar chipped in as well. In reply, India looked assured, with KL Rahul’s unbeaten 53 guiding them to 121/2 at stumps, alongside captain Shubman Gill on 18. The hosts now trail by just 41 runs with eight wickets in hand going into Day 2.
Talking Point: Are rounder heavy squads needed on Indian pitches
India’s squad look unusual with three all-rounders, three spinners, and two pacers. Washington Sundar clearly earns his spot, but having three all-rounders on Indian pitches seems unnecessary.
Historically, one pacer has often been enough on turning tracks. Choosing Nitish Kumar Reddy over Devdutt Padikkal limits batting depth, as Padikkal could have strengthened the lineup while being tested in form. This selection highlights an uncommon balance of all-rounders and specialists in home conditions.
Read More: India suffered 0-3 whitewash against NZ at home last year; How could they get back to winning ways?
IND pacers wreak havoc, WI slump to 90/5 at lunch
India dominated the first session of the opening Test in Ahmedabad after West Indies chose to bat. In the morning session, the visitors chased after the ball and ended up losing four wickets in the first hour of the day.
The India pacers set the tone with relentless accuracy and movement, as Mohammed Siraj ripped through the top order by removing Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Brandon King, and Alick Athanaze. Jasprit Bumrah added to the damage by dismissing John Campbell with the help of a sharp DRS call from captain Shubman Gill.
Kuldeep Yadav, back in the XI as India went with three spinners, then bowled Shai Hope with a beauty to leave the visitors reeling. By lunch, West Indies were struggling at 90/5 with India firmly in command.
Siraj’s four-for helps IND bowl WI out for paltry 162
West Indies were bundled out for just 162 on Day 1 of the first Test, bringing an early tea. Their top order collapsed under pressure, with Mohammed Siraj taking four wickets and Jasprit Bumrah cleaning up the tail with three. Kuldeep Yadav, on his Test return, grabbed two, while Washington Sundar picked up one.
The middle order offered some resistance, with Justin Greaves scoring 32, Shai Hope 26, and captain Roston Chase 24, but no other batter managed double digits. Siraj’s fiery spells, Bumrah’s precision, and Kuldeep’s spin made it a tough day for the visitors, leaving the hosts firmly in control going into the next session.
Read More: IND vs WI 2025-26: Who will be India’s no. 6 batter?
KL Rahul’s 53* puts hosts in control, IND 121/2 at stumps
After a short rain delay, play resumed in the final session with India steady in reply to West Indies’ 162. Sai Sudharsan was dismissed by Roston Chase, while Yashasvi Jaiswal (36) missed out on a bigger score.
By stumps, India had reached 121/2 in 38 overs, with KL Rahul unbeaten on 53 and captain Shubman Gill on 18. The pair batted out 79 balls together, adding 31 runs and leaving India trailing by 41.
What to expect on Day 2
On Day 2, India will look to strengthen their grip on the match after bowling out West Indies for 162. KL Rahul, unbeaten on a composed 53, has anchored the innings with great control, while captain Shubman Gill’s presence at the other end gives India stability. The pair will aim to stretch the total towards 250 and beyond, which would put the hosts in a commanding position. With the pitch expected to aid spinners as the game moves forward, a healthy first-innings lead could prove decisive in piling pressure on the West Indies.
Read More: IND vs WI 2025-26: Sudharsan or Padikkal – Who will be India’s no. 3 batter?
Statistical Highlights from IND vs WI, 1st Test, Day 1
- West Indies opener John Campbell has crossed the 1000-run mark in Test cricket.
- Siraj (27) is the leading wicket-taker in ICC WTC 2025-27 cycle so far. Shamar Joseph (22) is second on this list.
- Siraj (31) has overtaken Mitchell Starc (29) to become the second leading wicket-taker in 2025. Blessing Muzarabani of Zimbabwe leads the list with 36 scalps.
- With the dismissal of Johann Layne, Jasprit Bumrah reached the 50-wicket mark in home Tests.
- Mohammed Siraj’s 4-40 are his best innings figures in home Tests.
- KL Rahul now has 600+ runs in 2025. This is his second-highest tally in a calendar year after his haul of 633 runs in 2017.
West Indies batting mediocre as well as inexperienced. On a pitch helpful to pace and spin couldn’t take the fight to India’s strong bowling attack
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 2, 2025
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