🏏 Mohammed Siraj’s Fiery Spell Puts India in Control Against West Indies in Ahmedabad Test
🌟 India vs West Indies Live Test Series 2025 Begins
Test cricket returned to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with India hosting the West Indies in the first Test of the much-anticipated series. Day 1 already showcased the drama, skill, and intensity of the longer format.
Mohammed Siraj emerged as the hero with the ball, bagging 4/40 in 14 overs, dismantling the Caribbean batting order. Later, KL Rahul’s unbeaten half-century steered India to a strong position at 121/2, just 41 runs behind West Indies’ modest 162 all out.
This blog will give you a detailed analysis of Day 1, player performances, and what this start means for both sides in the broader context of the India vs West Indies Test series 2025.
🏏 First Innings: West Indies Collapse Under Siraj’s Brilliance
🌪️ Siraj Strikes Early and Often
West Indies captain Roston Chase took a bold decision to bat first, hoping the pitch would favor batting in the opening session. However, Siraj had other plans. With sharp movement and relentless accuracy, he quickly broke the backbone of the Caribbean batting.
- Figures: 4 wickets for 40 runs
- Key Scalps: He removed openers early, dented the middle order, and cleaned up the tail.
- Impact: His spell ensured that West Indies never recovered momentum.
🤝 Support from Bumrah, Kuldeep & Sundar
Siraj may have been the star, but India’s bowling unit worked as a collective force:
- Jasprit Bumrah: 3 wickets with sheer pace and reverse swing.
- Kuldeep Yadav: 2 wickets, troubling batters with his variations.
- Washington Sundar: 1 wicket, providing balance as the spinner-allrounder.
⚠️ West Indies Batting Struggles
West Indies lacked partnerships. Their highest scorer, Justin Greaves (32 off 48), fought hard, but with little support. Shai Hope (26) and Roston Chase (24) showed glimpses of resistance but failed to convert starts.
Ultimately, West Indies were bundled out for 162 in just 44.1 overs, a total far below par for Test conditions in India.
🇮🇳 India’s Response: Rahul Anchors After Jaiswal’s Spark
🚀 Positive Start from Jaiswal & Rahul
India’s reply began aggressively with Yashasvi Jaiswal showcasing his fearless approach. He scored 36 runs off 54 balls, striking seven boundaries, setting the tone for India’s batting.
KL Rahul played the anchor’s role, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries. Together, they added 68 runs for the opening wicket.
💔 Quick Blows but Rahul Stands Tall
- Jaiswal’s dismissal for 36 gave West Indies hope.
- Debutant Sai Sudharsan fell cheaply for 7 runs.
India slipped to 90/2, but Rahul, joined by captain *Shubman Gill (18)**, steadied the ship.
🎯 Rahul’s Gritty Fifty
KL Rahul remained unbeaten at stumps on 53 off 114 deliveries, crafted with six boundaries. His ability to adapt to conditions and absorb pressure highlighted why he remains India’s most dependable batter in the middle order.
📊 Day 1 Scorecard Summary
West Indies 1st Innings: 162 all out (44.1 overs)
- Justin Greaves – 32
- Shai Hope – 26
- Roston Chase – 24
- Mohammed Siraj – 4/40
- Jasprit Bumrah – 3/35
- Kuldeep Yadav – 2/36
India 1st Innings: 121/2 (39 overs)
- KL Rahul – 53*
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 36
- Shubman Gill – 18*
- Jayden Seales – 1/29
- Roston Chase – 1/22
India trail by 41 runs with 8 wickets in hand.
🔥 Key Takeaways from Day 1
- Siraj is India’s trump card in conditions offering bounce and seam.
- West Indies’ batting frailties against quality pace continue.
- KL Rahul’s composure shows India’s depth in batting.
- India already in control, with Gill and Rahul set to push for a big lead.
🌍 Context – Why This Test Series Matters
This series is part of the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Every win is crucial for both teams. India, aiming for another WTC Final, need to dominate at home. West Indies, on the other hand, are seeking to rebuild their Test cricket identity.
A poor first day has already tilted momentum towards India, but cricket has a way of producing surprises.
⚡ Mohammed Siraj – India’s X-Factor in Test Cricket
Siraj’s rise as a dependable strike bowler is no accident. Since his debut, he has consistently troubled batters with his seam movement and aggressive intent.
- Role in this Test: Leader of the attack alongside Bumrah.
- Strength: Consistency in line and length + reverse swing.
- Future: With form like this, Siraj is cementing his place as India’s go-to bowler across conditions.
📈 India’s Batting Depth – A Big Advantage
With Rahul and Gill still at the crease, and big names like Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja yet to bat, India hold a massive advantage. The hosts could push for a lead of 200+ runs, putting West Indies under immense pressure in the second innings.
🌴 West Indies’ Concerns – Can They Fight Back?
For West Indies, the road looks tough. Their bowlers must produce early breakthroughs on Day 2. Without dismissing Rahul and Gill quickly, they risk being batted out of the game.
Their batting must also show more discipline in the second innings if they are to compete.
🔮 What to Expect on Day 2
- India likely to bat aggressively to build a commanding lead.
- KL Rahul eyeing a century, while Gill aims for a big score.
- West Indies bowlers need to break partnerships to stay alive.
- If India cross 350+, a win within four days looks likely.
🔍 Cricketory Insight & Analysis
At Cricketory, our analysis of Day 1 is simple:
- India bossed the day – both with ball and bat. Siraj’s fiery spell exposed West Indies’ fragile top order, while Rahul’s calmness neutralized the visitors’ fightback.
- Momentum lies with India. Unless West Indies strike early tomorrow, this Test could quickly slip away.
- Strategically, India will aim for a massive first-innings lead, forcing West Indies to play catch-up.
- For West Indies, the biggest takeaway is that their batting unit still lacks stability, and until that improves, competing in away Tests will remain a challenge.
This Test could well set the tone for the entire India vs West Indies 2025 series. If India dominate further, a whitewash may be on the cards.
❓ FAQs – India vs West Indies 1st Test, Day 1
Q1: Who was the top performer for India on Day 1?
👉 Mohammed Siraj with 4 wickets, followed by KL Rahul’s unbeaten fifty.Q2: How many runs do India trail by?
👉 India trail West Indies by 41 runs with 8 wickets in hand.Q3: Who scored the most runs for West Indies?
👉 Justin Greaves top-scored with 32 runs.Q4: Where is the first Test being played?
👉 Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.Q5: What’s next for India on Day 2?
👉 India will look to build a big first-innings lead, with Rahul and Gill set at the crease.🏆 Final Thoughts
Day 1 of the India vs West Indies First Test 2025 belonged completely to India. Mohammed Siraj’s brilliance with the ball and KL Rahul’s patience with the bat ensured the hosts are already in the driver’s seat.
If West Indies don’t fight back quickly on Day 2, this Test could be remembered as yet another showcase of India’s dominance in home conditions.