When Ravindra Jadeja, a seasoned all‑rounder for India smashed a thunderous 104 and claimed 4‑54 with the ball, the crowd at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad erupted into a chorus of cheers. His all‑round display was the linchpin in a dominant innings‑and‑140‑run victory that wrapped up the first Test on Day 3 of a five‑day contest scheduled from 2 to 6 October 2025.
Match overview: a three‑day thriller
The 1st Test, India vs West IndiesNarendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad began under a clear sky, and India declared at 448‑5 after 128 overs, posting a run‑rate of 3.50. That total featured 45 fours and eight sixes, a mix of controlled aggression and disciplined accumulation.
West Indies, after a meek 162 in their first innings, were forced to follow on. They could only muster 146 in the second effort, crumbling under a relentless spin attack. The gap of 286 after the first innings proved insurmountable, and the match concluded with an innings margin – a rarity in a series that had seemed evenly poised.
- India declared at 448/5
- West Indies totals: 162 & 146
- Margin: innings & 140 runs
- Key performers: Jadeja (104 & 4‑54), KL Rahul (100), Dhruv Jurel (100)
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, capacity 132,000
Batting masterclass: three centuries, one record‑breaker
First up, KL Rahul, top‑order batsman for India shattered his home‑century drought with a composed 100 off 197 balls. He celebrated the milestone with a heartfelt tribute to his infant daughter, reminding fans that cricket is often a family affair.
Almost simultaneously, the youngest of the trio, Dhruv Jurel, reached his maiden Test ton in just his sixth match, adding 100 runs off 191 deliveries. Jurel’s innings was a blend of textbook technique and daring slogging – he smashed a six over mid‑wicket and saluted the Indian Army after crossing the hundred mark.
Jadeja’s 104 was the headline act. He launched five towering sixes, eclipsing MS Dhoni’s long‑standing record for most maximums by an Indian Test batsman. The fifth‑wicket stand between Jadeja and Jurel piled up a mammoth 206 runs, inching close to the Indian record of 214 set by VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar.
Just shy of a century, Shubman Gill, middle‑order batsman contributed a gritty 98, displaying the temperament of a seasoned campaigner and reinforcing India’s batting depth.
Bowling dominance: spin ruled the day
Turning the tide after a solid first‑innings total, India’s spin quartet unleashed a relentless barrage. Jadeja’s 4‑54 in 13 overs, backed by Kuldeep Yadav’s tidy 1‑23, crumbled the West Indian line‑up. The pitch, offering noticeable turn and bounce from the rough patches, became a spinner’s playground.
West Indies captain Roston Chase, team captain could only muster a fragile 22‑run effort from junior pacer Jayden Seales before the lower order folded. The final wicket fell with the West Indies at 146, sealing the innings defeat.
Reactions: players, coaches and the wider cricketing world
Jadeja, reflecting on his double contribution, credited two months of focused mindset and fitness work during a break from Tests and ODIs. “Batting at number 6 lets me settle in; I’m not in a rush,” he said, flashing his trademark sword celebration that sent the stadium into a frenzy.
Rahul, visibly emotional, said, “Scoring for my daughter makes it sweeter. The team’s energy was electric, and the crowd fed us.”
Chase, faced with a humbling defeat, acknowledged the financial woes plaguing Caribbean cricket but refused to let them excuse the performance: “We have to find a way to score and take wickets. Money isn’t a shield on the field.”
Coach Rahul Dravid, speaking on the sidelines, highlighted the strategic use of spin on a deteriorating pitch, noting that a disciplined yet aggressive approach in the World Test Championship (WTC) could see India climb the points table early.
Implications for the series and the World Test Championship
With the series now 1‑0 in India’s favour, the West Indies travel to the Caribbean for the second Test in Bridgetown, Barbados, slated for 10‑14 October 2025. A win there would level the series and keep their WTC hopes alive.
India, meanwhile, earns eight points for the innings win, bolstering their position ahead of the crucial contests against England and Australia later in the season. The performance of the spin department, especially Jadeja’s all‑round brilliance, signals a tactical edge that could be pivotal in the remaining fixtures.
For Rahul, the century stops a worrying run of low scores at home, restoring confidence ahead of the 2025 ICC Test Championship final later next year.
Key takeaways
The match underscored three themes: the potency of India’s spin on turning tracks, the emergence of Dhruv Jurel as a reliable middle‑order contributor, and the psychological boost of ending a six‑match home losing streak. If the team can replicate this blend of aggression and composure, the rest of the summer looks bright.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect India's World Test Championship standing?
The innings victory nets India eight points, catapulting them into the top three of the WTC table. A strong start improves their chances of qualifying for the year‑end final, especially with upcoming series against England and Australia also on the calendar.
What record did Jadeja break with his sixes?
Jadeja’s five sixes in a Test innings surpass the previous Indian record held by MS Dhoni, who had struck four maximums in a single Test match. The feat highlights Jadeja’s evolving role as a power‑hitting all‑rounder.
What were the main challenges West Indies faced in Ahmedabad?
The pitch offered significant turn and uneven bounce, favouring India’s spinners. Coupled with a lack of experience against high‑quality spin on a turning surface, the West Indian batsmen struggled to build partnerships, resulting in two low totals.
When and where is the next Test in the series?
The second Test kicks off on 10 October 2025 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. Both sides will look to adjust tactics, with the West Indies hoping to bounce back on home soil.
What does the victory mean for KL Rahul’s form?
Rahul’s century ends a six‑match stretch of sub‑150 scores at home, restoring his confidence ahead of the remaining Tests. His ability to anchor the innings while rotating strike will be vital for India’s continued success in the championship.