When India hammered West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the opening Test of the 2025‑26 West Indies tour of India, the victory unfolded at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from October 2‑4, 2025. The side was led by captain Shubman Gill, who called the effort "near‑perfect" during the post‑match ceremony. India's comprehensive win put them 1‑0 up in a two‑match series and handed the visitors a stark reminder of the gap that still separates the two cricketing nations.
Background to the 2025‑26 West Indies tour of India
The tour was slated as a chance for the Caribbean side to revive its Test credentials after a lean 2024‑25 season. Previously, West Indies had managed a solitary win on Indian soil in 2019, and most analysts expected a tightly contested series. By contrast, India entered the series fresh from a dominant home season, with KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma both in form. The Ahmedabad Test, the first of the tour, was billed as a litmus test for the visitors' resilience.
Day‑by‑day breakdown of the Ahmedabad Test
Day 1 – A solid platform
India won the toss and chose to bat. By tea, the hosts were 121/2, thanks to a patient 53 from Shubman Gill. The partnership set the tone; the openers steadied the ship while the middle order prepared to launch.
Day 2 – Jurel and Jadeja dominate
The innings exploded after lunch. Fresh‑man Dhruv Jurel smashed his maiden Test hundred – 125 off 210 balls, peppered with 12 fours and two sixes. Right‑hander Ravindra Jadeja followed with an unbeaten 104, his sixth Test ton, adding another 200‑run partnership for the fifth wicket. India declared at 448/5, a total that left the West Indian bowlers scrambling.
Day 3 – Siraj and Bumrah tear through the visitors
West Indies were bundled out for 162 in 44.1 overs. Mohammed Siraj laughed the wicket‑taker with 4/40, while Jasprit Bumrah added 3/42. The Caribbean side could not muster any partnership beyond 30 runs.
Day 4 – Second innings collapse
Following on, West Indies managed just 146, with Jadeja again the chief destroyer, snaring 4/54. Siraj chipped in with 3/31. Alick Athanaze’s gritty 38 was the lone splash of resistance. The innings wrapped up at 146/9, sealing an innings defeat.
Key performances that turned the match
- Dhruv Jurel 125* – A debutant’s dream innings, crafted with a blend of patience and power.
- Ravindra Jadeja 104* and 4/54 – A rare all‑round masterclass that shifted momentum twice.
- Mohammed Siraj 4/40 and 3/31 – Consistent seam movement that kept the Caribbean batsmen guessing.
- Jasprit Bumrah 3/42 – Clinical death‑overs that wrapped up the first innings.
- Shubman Gill (captain) – Though his score was modest, his field placements and review usage paid dividends.
Reactions from captains and analysts
In the presentation ceremony, Gill said, "No complaints, was a near‑perfect game for us." His calm confidence reflected the team's dominance. West Indies captain Shai Hope admitted his side were "out of depth" and promised a stronger response in Delhi.
Analyst Madhav Chopra observed, "The gulf between India and West Indies is there for everyone to see." Former England batsman Ian Bishop added, "We need WI batters to stop being satisfied with 20s and 30s. The game is a marathon, not a sprint."
What the result means for the series and both sides
India’s 12‑point haul (West Indies earned zero) puts them in a commanding position. The win also reinforces the depth of India’s batting order – being able to post a massive total without heavy reliance on the top three.
For West Indies, the defeat is a wake‑up call. Their bowlers struggled to extract bounce on a flat surface, and the batting line‑up failed to adjust to the spin‑friendly conditions. The next Test in Delhi will be a chance to regroup, but they’ll need a significant bounce‑back, perhaps with a more aggressive approach from the top order.
Looking ahead, the cricketing fraternity will watch the second Test keenly. If India continues its current trajectory, a series sweep is likely. Conversely, a resilient performance from the West Indies could turn the series into a tighter contest, renewing interest in a rivalry that has produced classics in the past.
Key Facts
- Date: October 2‑4, 2025
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Result: India won by an innings and 140 runs
- Top scores: Dhruv Jurel 125, Ravindra Jadeja 104*
- Series points: India 12, West Indies 0
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect India's chances in the series?
The 12‑point lead puts India in a virtually unassailable position. Even a loss in the second Test would leave them ahead, making a series sweep the most likely outcome.
What were the main reasons for West Indies' collapse?
India's disciplined seam attack, led by Siraj and Bumrah, exploited the early swing, while Jadeja’s spin on a plain pitch tangled the West Indian batters. A lack of partnerships and an inability to rotate the strike compounded the problem.
Who stood out for India besides the centurions?
Mohammed Siraj’s 7‑wicket haul across both innings and Jasprit Bumrah’s tight death‑over spell were pivotal. Their ability to maintain pressure kept the West Indian score low.
When and where will the next Test be played?
The second Test is scheduled for October 9‑13, 2025 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, the capital’s historic cricket venue.
What do experts say about West Indies' path forward?
Analysts like Ian Bishop urge the Caribbean side to adopt a more aggressive mindset, converting starts into bigger scores. They also stress improving the bowlers’ ability to extract movement on sub‑continental pitches.
