When KL Rahul, batter for India cricket team reached his long‑awaited home century, India wrapped up the first Test against the West Indies with an innings and 140‑run victory in Ahmedabad on October 2‑4, 2025, taking a 1‑0 series lead.
Match overview and key numbers
The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium bore witness to a 448‑run first‑innings total, a 286‑run lead, and a final margin that underscored the gulf between the two sides. West Indies were bowled out for 162 in 61.3 overs, then 146 in 45.1 overs. India’s scoring rate of 3.50 runs per over across 128 overs translated into 45 fours and eight sixes.
Key figures: Ravindra Jadeja claimed 4/54 in the second innings and added a one‑hundred knock, while Kuldeep Yadav took 1/23 with three maidens. The spin duo accounted for 5 of the 10 West Indian wickets.
Batting masterclass: India’s first‑innings dominance
After a modest start, Shubman Gill, the side’s captain, steadied the ship with 98 runs, just shy of a century. The real fireworks began when the fifth‑wicket pair of Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja stitched together a 206‑run partnership.
Jurel, in only his sixth Test, smashed his maiden century, even saluting the Indian Army after reaching the milestone. Jadeja, revelling in his fifth Test century of 2025, ripped five towering sixes and celebrated each with his signature sword gesture, delighting the packed crowd.
The partnership fell just eight runs short of the Indian record of 214 for any wicket, held by VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar. Still, the duo’s blend of aggression and restraint set the platform for a total that left the opposition scrambling.
Spin surge: West Indies collapse in the second innings
The pitch, initially offering gentle turn, began to bite as the day progressed. Jadeja’s precise leg‑breaks and subtle flight proved too much for the Caribbean line‑up. He finished with figures of 4/54, earning the player‑of‑the‑match award.
Support came from Kuldeep Yadav, who bowled three maidens in his eight‑over spell, conceding just 23 runs. The only bright spot for the visitors was a late cameo from Jayden Seales, who smashed a six off Jadeja (the delivery was a no‑ball) and added 22 runs off 11 balls before the inevitable collapse.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite admitted the team is wrestling with financial constraints back home, but insisted the players must “find a way to churn up runs and wickets.” The numbers, however, spoke louder than any statement.
Reactions from captains and coaches
Gill, visibly satisfied, told the press, “No complaints, it was a near‑perfect game for us.” Jadeja, reflecting on his dual role, said his success with the bat stemmed from being slotted at No. 6 and a focused mindset that has served him throughout 2025.
Brathwaite, after the loss, stressed that finances would not be an excuse, yet hinted at a need for structural changes in West Indies cricket to compete on turning tracks.
India’s coach, Rahul Dravid, praised the depth in both departments, noting the spin duo’s adaptation to the “slow‑turning surface” as a blueprint for future home series.
Implications for the World Test Championship
With two points now on the board, India sits comfortably at the top of Group B, boosting its chances of a direct spot in the final. The 286‑run lead not only cements a psychological edge but also adds valuable points under the current WTC points system.
For the West Indies, the defeat deepens a worrying slump that began in 2023. Recovering from a 0‑0 start will require a tactical overhaul, especially against spin‑friendly pitches.
Historical context: India’s dominance on turning tracks
India’s spin‑rich tradition dates back to the legendary duo of Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. The 2025 season has already seen Jadeja and Kuldeep replicate that success, echoing the 2016 home series against England where spin accounted for 70% of wickets.
Meanwhile, West Indies’ last major victory on sub‑continental soil came in 2018 against New Zealand. Their struggles against quality spin have been evident in the past decade, making the Ahmedabad result a predictable yet stark illustration of the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect India's World Test Championship standing?
The 2‑point victory moves India to the top of Group B, putting them in a strong position to qualify directly for the WTC final. With a 286‑run lead, the team has earned a sizeable buffer that could prove decisive if the series continues in their favour.
What steps can the West Indies take to bounce back?
Analysts suggest West Indies must revamp their spin department, perhaps by introducing more wrist‑spinners adept at exploiting turn. Increased domestic investment and a clearer selection policy could also help address the financial and performance gaps highlighted by captain Kraigg Brathwaite.
Who were the top wicket‑takers in the match?
Ravindra Jadeja led the tally with 4 wickets for 54 runs in the second innings, earning player‑of‑the‑match honors. Kuldeep Yadav added a tidy 1/23, while West Indies’ medium‑pacers shared the remaining wickets.
What were the conditions of the Ahmedabad pitch?
The pitch offered moderate bounce on day one, gradually turning and developing rough patches by day three. This evolution favored India’s spin duo, who extracted significant turn and variable bounce, making life uncomfortable for the West Indian batsmen.
When is the next Test in this series scheduled?
The second Test is slated for October 11‑15, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, giving both sides a brief window to regroup before the next encounter.
