Ahmedabad: The Indian pace attack dismantled West Indies for a modest 162 before KL Rahul’s steady half-century put the hosts in control on the opening day of the first Test on Thursday. At stumps, India reached 121 for 2, trailing by just 41 runs.
Mohammed Siraj, with figures of 4 for 40, and Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed 3 for 32, spearheaded India’s dominance on a rain-affected day. The duo exposed the Caribbean batting line-up with relentless accuracy, ably supported by Kuldeep Yadav (2/25) and Washington Sundar (1/9). Only Justin Greaves (32), Shai Hope (26), and skipper Roston Chase (24) showed brief resistance before folding.
Siraj set the tone in a fiery opening spell, picking three wickets before lunch and returning after the break to dismiss Chase with a delivery that squared him up. Though denied a deserved five-wicket haul, he consistently threatened throughout the innings. Bumrah, too, rediscovered his rhythm, striking with yorkers and sharp movement off the seam. Kuldeep wrapped up the innings by dismissing Jomel Warrican, while Sundar added one to the tally late in the day.
In reply, India looked assured despite losing Yashasvi Jaiswal (36) and debutant B Sai Sudharsan (7). Jaiswal, after a cautious start, accelerated with seven boundaries but fell attempting one shot too many off Jayden Seales. Sudharsan, meanwhile, was trapped leg-before by Chase after a brief stay.
Rahul held firm with a composed 53 not out off 114 deliveries, anchoring the innings with patience and control. Alongside him, skipper Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 18, ensuring India ended the day in command with eight wickets in hand.
The second day promises more pressure on the visitors as India look to overhaul the deficit and build a commanding lead.
