Ahmedabad: India wrapped up the first Test against West Indies in ruthless fashion, winning by an innings and 140 runs within one session on the third day at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Declaring overnight with a 286-run lead, India’s spinners Ravindra Jadeja (4/54) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/23) tore through the West Indies batting order, dismissing them for just 146. Mohammed Siraj provided the early breakthroughs, finishing with seven wickets in the match. The visitors, lacking resistance and application, lasted only 45.1 overs as India’s disciplined bowling attack showcased its trademark dominance on home soil.
Jadeja, who has made a habit of stepping up when it matters, led the charge with his incisive bowling and sharp fielding. Kuldeep Yadav complemented him well, maintaining consistent pressure from the other end. Siraj’s fiery opening spell set the tone for the collapse, unsettling the top order with pace and precision. For the home side, everything clicked — tight bowling, smart field placements, and a clinical finish that left the visitors with no answers.
Ravindra Jadeja, named Player of the Match, credited his preparation for the performance. “I’ve been working hard on my batting,” he said. “We had two months off without Test or ODI cricket, so I focused on my fitness at the CoE in Bengaluru. I used to bat at No. 9 or 8, but now at No. 6, I can prepare and pace my innings better.”
Speaking about the conditions, Jadeja added, “On red soil pitches, you get more turn and bounce, which helps both batting and bowling. I was happy when I saw the surface.” Reflecting on his leadership role, he said, “As vice-captain, I thank the coach, captain, and management for the trust. I’m always available for the team. And as for leading the spinners — I’m not captain, Ash was there! Kuldeep has experience too, so I don’t need to give unnecessary advice.”
India’s captain, Shubman Gill, was visibly pleased with the team’s performance. “Six toss losses in a row, but as long as we keep winning matches, it doesn’t matter,” he said with a smile. “Honestly, this was a perfect game — three centuries, sharp fielding, and a disciplined bowling effort. When you have quality spinners like Jadeja, Ashwin, and Kuldeep, it’s a good problem to have.”
Gill highlighted the growing maturity within the side. “Over the past two years, the way we’ve bonded and learned to fight through tough situations has been really pleasing. We’re still learning, but as long as we keep improving, that’s what matters.”
For West Indies, it was a humbling defeat. Captain Roston Chase admitted that poor batting cost them dearly. “When you win the toss and bat first, you need to post a big total. Getting bowled out for 162 set us back,” he said. “In India, you must score big in the first innings because the pitch gets tougher. Unfortunately, we couldn’t even build a fifty-run partnership, and that’s not how you win Test matches.”
Defending his decision to bat first, Chase added, “There was some early moisture, but everyone agreed batting first was right. We just didn’t capitalise. Even with the second new ball, we didn’t make their batsmen play enough. The main issue is our batting — partnerships are key, and we failed to build any.”
