India Dominates West Indies to Win 1st Test by an Innings and 140 Runs
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, India crushed the West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the opening Test of the 2025 series. The match, played at Ahmedabad, saw India excel with both bat and ball, setting a high benchmark for the remainder of the series.
India’s Batting Masterclass
The Indian batting lineup showcased resilience and skill, putting together a mammoth total of 448 for 5 declared in their first innings. Key contributions came from middle-order batsman Dhruv Jurel, who anchored the innings with a majestic 125 runs off 210 balls, and the all-round brilliance of Ravindra Jadeja, whose unbeaten 104 was packed with exquisite stroke play. Prominence was also given to KL Rahul, who scored a well-compiled century (100 runs), and Shubman Gill, whose 98 runs provided solid support in building a formidable total.
Jurel’s innings was a lesson in patience and power, mixing aggressive shots with careful defense. His 13 boundaries and 2 sixes helped India build momentum after early wickets. Jadeja, playing in prime form, demonstrated why he’s considered one of the finest all-rounders in the world today, displaying an elegant array of shots and temperament under pressure. Rahul and Gill’s well-paced innings laid the foundation for the big total, with Rahul’s touches of class and Gill’s steady accumulation working beautifully in tandem.
India’s first innings declaration came after 128 overs, putting West Indies under immense strain to bat twice against a daunting target.
West Indies’ Struggles with the Ball and Bat
In stark contrast, West Indies struggled to contain the Indian batsmen with their bowling. The Indian batsmen punished loose deliveries and kept the scoreboard ticking, frustrating the West Indian bowlers throughout.
When it was their turn to bat, the Windies faltered dramatically. Their first innings yielded only 162 runs, with no batsman able to establish themselves apart from a gritty 32 from Jermaine Greaves. The Indian pace battery, led by Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, wreaked havoc on the West Indies batting order. Siraj’s outstanding figures of 4 wickets for 40 runs and Jadeja’s effective spin (3 for 24) dismantled the lineup.
The fielding unit supported the bowlers well, taking every chance offered, which further crippled the West Indies’ attempts to build partnerships. Bumrah’s four-pronged attack showed sharpness and control, with his three wickets highlighting his continued dominance in Test cricket.
West Indies’ second innings was a slight improvement in terms of individual scores but lacked the cohesion needed to mount a serious fightback. They managed 146 runs in their second innings, with Akeem Athanaze top-scoring with a gritty 38. However, Jadeja once again starred, taking 4 wickets for 54 runs, as India tightened their grip to wrap up the match inside three days.
Jadeja and Siraj Shine with the Ball
The spin and pace combination of Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj proved lethal throughout the match. Jadeja’s knack for taking crucial wickets in home conditions, combined with his tactical acumen, was highly evident. His combined tally of 7 wickets in the match played an instrumental role in dismissing the West Indies twice in under 90 overs.
Siraj’s pace and bounce troubled the West Indies batsmen consistently. His total haul of 7 wickets (4 in the first innings and 3 in the second) underlined his threat with the ball. The duo’s bowling effort was complemented by Jasprit Bumrah, whose economical spell and 3 wickets further tightened the noose around the visitors.
Key Performances Highlight India’s Depth
Beyond the headline performers, this Test match highlighted India’s depth in batting and bowling. Shubman Gill’s near-century showed his growing maturity, while young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel displayed the confidence and skill needed at the highest level of the game. Also notable was the support cast of Kerala’s K. Yadav and Washington Sundar who bowled economically and backed the strike bowlers effectively.
West Indies’ Batting Woes Exposed
The Windies’ batting line-up looked out of sorts throughout the match, unable to handle India’s pace and spin attack. Despite brief resistance from skipper Roston Chase and wicketkeeper Shai Hope in the first innings, the team collectively struggled to build partnerships. Their batting collapses in both innings exposed vulnerabilities, particularly against quality spin bowling.
The visitors’ inability to negotiate the quality of bouncing and spinning deliveries on the Ahmedabad pitch was a major factor in the outcome. They will need to regroup and find answers quickly if they are to compete effectively in the next stages of the series.
What This Win Means for India
The comprehensive innings and 140 runs victory set a powerful tone for the series, giving the Indian team an early psychological edge. The win showcased India’s ability to dominate in home conditions, melding aggressive yet controlled batting with incisive bowling spells.
India’s domination also sends a message to other teams about their depth and balance across all departments. Such performances will be vital as India aims to maintain or improve their standing in the longest format of the game.
Captaincy decisions, field placements, and team strategies reflected a well-prepared and confident unit. Coach Rahul Dravid’s influence, often lauded for India’s disciplined approach, was visible in the patience and professionalism displayed on the field.
Looking Ahead: Series Prospects
The 1st Test’s result places India with a strong lead in the series, but the West Indies team is not without fight. They will return to the dressing room with lessons learned and likely adjust tactics to counter India’s bowling attack.
India, on the other hand, can capitalize on this momentum. With a series lead, their confidence will be high as they aim to close the series out early and continue their dominance.
Fans and analysts alike will watch eagerly as both teams prepare for the upcoming Tests. The 1st Test showcased classic Test cricket with commanding performances, strategic battles, and moments of individual brilliance, setting up a compelling contest in the weeks ahead.
India’s emphatic home victory in the 1st Test against the West Indies underlines their status as a potent force in Test cricket. This match will be remembered for Jurel’s breakout century, Jadeja’s all-round brilliance, and a clinical bowling display that left the West Indies searching for answers.
The cricketing world now awaits the next encounter with anticipation, expecting high drama and quality cricket as India chases a series win on home soil.