When Shubman Gill, Test captain of India won the toss at Ahmedabad on October 2, 2025, no one imagined the match would be over by the afternoon of October 4. The opening Test of the 2025‑26 India‑West Indies seriesSardar Patel Stadium was scheduled for five days, yet India wrapped it up in just 2.5, winning by an innings and 140 runs.
First‑day fireworks
The West Indies, represented by West Indies, stumbled to 162 all out, their top‑order collapsing under the sharp swing of Mohammed Siraj, fast bowler (4/40) and the unerring spell of Jasprit Bumrah (3/42). Even seasoned campaigner Justin Greaves could manage just 32 runs, while Shai Hope contributed a modest 26.
Jurel and Jadeja's record partnership
India’s reply was a masterclass in patience and power. After a cautious start, KL Rahul, finally shedding a long‑standing home‑century hoodoo, struck 100 off 197 balls. He was soon joined by the new‑kid sensation Dhruv Jurel, who, in only his sixth Test, smashed a maiden century – 125 off 210 balls. Their partnership with all‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja was the talk of the town: 206 runs for the fifth wicket, just shy of the 214‑run record set by VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar.
Jurel’s elegant pull over mid‑wicket and Jadeja’s five towering sixes turned the stadium into a carnival. Jadeja even topped MS Dhoni’s own record for most sixes by an Indian in Tests, a feat that drew cheers and a flamboyant sword salute.
Siraj and Bumrah lead the bowling onslaught
When India finally declared at 448/5 after 128 overs – 45 boundaries and eight sixes – the bowlers set about dismantling the Caribbean side again. Siraj returned to his lethal form, grabbing 3/31 in 11 overs in the second innings, while Bumrah’s disciplined line yielded 2/27. The West Indies’ best bowler, Roston Chase, could only muster 2/90 despite 24 economical overs.
West Indies' collapse and India’s follow‑on
In their second innings, the visitors were bowled out for 146, with Alick Athanaze top‑scoring at 38. Jadeja, who had already dazzled with the bat, turned hero with the ball – 4/54 in 13 overs – confirming his status as a genuine all‑rounder. Siraj’s early breakthroughs left the Caribbean batsmen scrambling for runs, and the match wrapped up early on Day 3, handing India a crushing win.
Implications for the series and the WTC
The 1‑0 lead puts India in pole position to sweep the two‑match series in Delhi next week. A clean sweep would also boost their World Test Championship (WTC) points, keeping them near the summit of the table. For West Indies, the defeat is a stark reminder that their current squad still struggles on sub‑continental pitches, especially against disciplined seam and swing.
Experts like former India skipper Anil Kumble praised Gill’s calm captaincy, saying, “He’s managed his bowlers wisely and backed his young batsmen at the right moments.” Meanwhile, West Indies coach Daren Sammy admitted, “We need to adapt faster to the conditions and give our pacers clearer roles.”
Key facts
- Match dates: 2 – 4 October 2025
- Venue: Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Result: India won by an innings and 140 runs
- Top performers: KL Rahul (100), Dhruv Jurel (125), Ravindra Jadeja (104 & 4/54), Mohammed Siraj (4/40 & 3/31)
- Series score: India 1–0 West Indies
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect India's World Test Championship standing?
The emphatic win secures four crucial points for India, tightening their grip near the top of the WTC table. With a series lead and a chance to sweep the second Test, they can potentially close the gap on the current leader, strengthening their claim for a spot in the final.
What were the key reasons behind West Indies' batting collapse?
The Caribbean side struggled against swing and seam on a dry Ahmedabad pitch. Siraj’s early movement and Bumrah’s pinpoint line forced errors, while the lack of a genuine middle‑order anchor meant wickets fell in quick succession, preventing any meaningful partnerships.
Who emerged as the surprise performer for India?
Dhruv Jurel, in only his sixth Test, announced himself with a maiden century and a confident strike‑rate. His partnership with Jadeja not only rescued India from early hiccups but also set up the massive total that proved decisive.
What can West Indies improve before the Delhi Test?
Adapting to Indian conditions is paramount. The visitors need to work on handling swing, develop a more aggressive middle‑order approach, and perhaps introduce a spinner who can extract turn from the sub‑continental surfaces earlier in the innings.
What does this win mean for captain Shubman Gill?
Gill’s tactical acumen earned plaudits; his field placements and bowling changes kept pressure on the West Indies. The win adds to his growing reputation as a calm, forward‑thinking leader, a narrative that will likely influence selection discussions ahead of upcoming tours.
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