Team India’s vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja delivered a match-winning all-round display as the hosts crushed West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the opening Test of the two-match series at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. His contributions with both bat and ball ensured a one-sided victory and gave India an early series lead.
Jadeja was unstoppable, crafting an unbeaten 104 runs from 176 deliveries with six fours and five sixes before dismantling the West Indies batting lineup with figures of 4/54 in 13 overs, including three maidens. His dual brilliance helped bundle the visitors out for just 146 runs in the second innings.
West Indies Crumble on Day 3
Resuming the third day at 66/5, the West Indies were relying on Alick Athanaze (27)* and Justin Greeves (10)* to build resistance. But their hopes were short-lived as Washington Sundar removed Athanaze for 38 after a brief 26-run stand. Mohammed Siraj then swung the momentum further in India’s favor with a fiery over, dismissing Greeves (25) and Jomel Warrican (0) in quick succession.
After those two breakthroughs, wickets continued to tumble. Jadeja claimed his fourth wicket by removing Johann Layne (14), while Kuldeep Yadav ended the innings by dismissing Jayden Seales (22), who briefly entertained the crowd with two sixes. Siraj (3/31), Kuldeep (2/23), and Sundar (1/18) backed Jadeja’s spell to complete the demolition.
Indian Batters Set the Tone Early
India’s first innings total of 448/5 declared put the hosts in complete control. Jadeja and Sundar remained unbeaten, further stretching the lead. Dhruv Jurel’s 125 and KL Rahul’s patient 100 off 197 balls formed the backbone of the innings, with Rahul celebrating his first home century since 2016.
The foundation was laid by a 68-run opening stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal (36) and KL Rahul. Captain Shubman Gill (50) added stability before falling while attempting a reverse sweep. Rahul, meanwhile, became only the fourth Indian opener to reach 10 Test centuries, joining an elite list that includes Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, and Murali Vijay.
The highlight was a massive 206-run partnership between Jurel and Jadeja, which completely deflated the West Indies bowling unit. Jurel’s elegant strokeplay and Jadeja’s aggressive approach dismantled the attack before Khary Pierre broke the stand by dismissing Jurel.
West Indies Falter Twice
The visitors’ decision to bat first backfired as they folded for 162 in their opening innings. Apart from brief resistance from Roston Chase (24), Shai Hope (26), and Justin Greeves (32), their batting lineup struggled against relentless Indian bowling. Mohammed Siraj (4/40) and Jasprit Bumrah (3/42) exploited the conditions brilliantly, while Kuldeep (2/25) and Sundar (1/9) chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
Brief Scores:
West Indies: 162 & 146 all out (Alick Athanaze 38, Justin Greeves 25, Ravindra Jadeja 4/54)
India: 448/5d (Dhruv Jurel 125, Ravindra Jadeja 104*; Roston Chase 2/90)
India will aim to replicate their dominance in the second and final Test to seal a clean sweep over the Caribbean side.
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