When India thumped the West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the cricket world took notice. The match, part of the 1st Test, India vs West IndiesAhmedabad, India, wrapped up in just three days (Oct 2‑4, 2025) thanks to centuries from wicket‑keeper Dhruv Jurel (125) and all‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja (104*). Their knocks helped Team India post 448/5 declared, a total that left the visitors scrambling.
Setting the Stage: India vs West Indies 2025 Test series
Both sides entered the series with clear agendas. India, under the fresh captaincy of Shubman Gill, was looking to cement its dominance on spin‑friendly pitches. The West Indies, led by Kieron Pollard (acting captain for the tour), hoped a balanced attack of pace and spin could pull off an upset on Indian soil.
The Narendra Modi Stadium, with a capacity of 132,000, has become the de‑facto fortress for Indian Tests since its inauguration in 2020. Historically, the venue has produced 13 victories for India in 15 Tests, a statistic that adds pressure on any touring side.
Day‑by‑Day Breakdown of the First Test
Day 1: India lost early wickets but recovered to 121/2 at stumps, with KL Rahul unbeaten on 53 and Gill on 18*. The opening partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (36) and Rahul (68‑run stand) set a steady platform.
Day 2: A brisk 218/3 by lunch signalled intent. Jurel and Jadeja began their partnership early, each playing aggressively against the West Indies’ seam attack. Jurel smashed a six off off‑spinner Roston Chase over long‑on, while Jadeja’s pull shot over mid‑wicket drew cheers from the crowd. By the end of Day 2 India declared at 448/5, building a 286‑run lead.
Day 3: The visitors folded for 162 in the first innings, courtesy of a lethal spell from fast bowler Mohammed Siraj (4/40). In the second innings, a disciplined Indian attack skittled West Indies out for 146, sealing an innings victory.
Centuries that Turned the Tide
Jurel’s 125 came off 210 balls, featuring 14 fours and five sixes. His innings was anchored on a mix of aggressive drives and deft wristwork, especially against the Caribbean pace duo of Jayden Seales and Alick Athanaze. Jadeja’s 104* was a masterclass in pacing; after a cautious start, he accelerated in the afternoon session, hitting eight fours and three sixes while rotating the strike.
Both centuries were built on partnerships that shifted momentum. When Jurel and Jadeja combined, they added 255 runs for the fourth wicket, a partnership that essentially sealed the game before the bowlers even had to toil.
Bowling Masterclass: Siraj, Bumrah and Jadeja
Siraj’s spell of 4/40 in the first innings was marked by a sharp inswinger that rattled the West Indian top order. He followed up with 3/31 in the second innings, maintaining relentless pressure. Jasprit Bumrah complemented Siraj with 3/42, delivering a textbook yorker at the death.
Jadeja’s all‑round performance didn’t stop at the bat. He claimed 4/54 in the second innings, exploiting the wear on the pitch with subtle variations of flight and pace, a reminder of why his spin has been a mainstay in India’s Test strategy since 2018.
For the West Indies, Roston Chase managed 2/90, and Seales 1/53, but the collective effort fell short against the disciplined Indian attack.
Reactions from Players and Experts
Post‑match, Gill praised his teammates: “Dhruv and Ravindra showed why they belong in the Test XI. Their centuries gave us the cushion we needed, and the bowlers backed it up brilliantly.”
Jurel, speaking for the first time after his maiden Test ton, said, “I just tried to play my natural game. The crowd’s energy in Ahmedabad was electric and it helped me go big.”
Cricket analyst Sharda Ugra noted, “India’s depth in both batting and bowling is evident. Winning by an innings on a neutral Test pitch is a statement of intent for the series.”
West Indies captain Pollard admitted, “We were outplayed in all phases. The spin on that surface was a challenge we hadn’t prepared for adequately.”
What Lies Ahead: Second Test in Delhi
The next encounter shifts to the historic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, slated for Oct 9‑13. With a 286‑run lead, India can afford to experiment, perhaps giving a chance to emerging pacer Venkatesh Iyer. The West Indies will need to regroup, focusing on their batting order and adapting to spin.
If the first Test is any indication, the series could tilt heavily in India's favor, further cementing their reputation as a modern Test powerhouse.
Historical Context of India’s Home Dominance
- Since 2005, India has won 32 of 44 home Tests.
- The Narendra Modi Stadium has produced a win‑loss ratio of 13‑2 for India.
- India’s current Test ranking stands at #2 globally, trailing only Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect the West Indies’ chances in the series?
Losing by an innings puts the West Indies under immense pressure. They now need a dominant performance in Delhi to stay alive, which means their bowlers must exploit any early morning seam and their batsmen must post a massive first‑innings total to avoid a similar collapse.
What were the key factors behind Dhruv Jurel’s maiden Test century?
Jurel combined aggressive footwork against spin with a willingness to go big over the boundary. His six off Roston Chase and a series of well‑timed drives against the seam attack allowed him to accelerate the scoring rate, turning a steady start into a commanding 125.
Who were the standout bowlers for India in this match?
Mohammed Siraj led with 7 wickets across both innings (4/40 and 3/31). Jasprit Bumrah added 3/42, while Ravindra Jadeja’s 4/54 in the second innings highlighted his all‑round value. Their combined effort kept the West Indian batting under constant pressure.
What does this result mean for India’s upcoming Test schedule?
The emphatic win reinforces India’s strategy of aggressive batting paired with disciplined bowling on home pitches. Going into the Delhi Test, the team can afford to rest senior players or experiment with newcomers, confident that the lead they hold will give them a buffer against any unexpected setbacks.
How does this performance compare to previous India‑West Indies Test encounters?
India’s margin of an innings and 140 runs is the widest victory against West Indies on Indian soil since the 2013‑14 series, where India won by an innings and 81 runs. The double‑century contributions from a lower‑order batsman (Jadeja) and a rookie (Jurel) also mark a rare combination in recent bilateral series.
