KL Rahul’s 53* Powers India to 121/2 in Day One Test vs West Indies
Oct, 3 2025
When KL Rahul, India's top‑order batsman remained unbeaten on 53 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India closed Day 1 of the first Test against the West Indies at 121 for 2, still 41 runs behind. His partner, Shubman Gill, stood firm at the other end, while the Indians' bowlers – led by Mohammad Siraj (4/40) and Jasprit Bumrah (3/42) – dismissed the visitors for 162 in a single session.
Day One Overview
The opening day began with West Indies winning the toss and electing to bat. Early wickets fell as Roston Chase and Shai Hope attempted a rescue, stitching together a 48‑run partnership before the Indian pace onslaught broke them apart. Justin Greaves showed flashes of potential with 32, but the threat evaporated when the ball began to swing sharply under the lights.
Bowling Masterclass: Siraj and Bumrah
Siraj's spell was the day's headline. Operating from the squad’s left‑arm pace corner, he generated relentless seam movement, especially on the slightly damp pitches after a brief rain interruption. His figures – four wickets for just 40 runs – included the crucial dismissals of Chase, Hope and two top‑order West Indian batsmen. Bumrah, ever the death‑over specialist, slotted in three vital wickets, notably trapping Greaves with an immaculate yorker that left the batsman bewildered. The duo’s combined eight wickets dismantled the Caribbean side, leaving them 41 runs ahead after 39 overs.
Batting Highlights: Rahul’s Half‑Century
India's reply was anchored by Rahul, who displayed a mix of textbook drive and late‑cut precision. After the early loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal – who fell to a sharp delivery from Jayden Seales just after a rain break – Rahul steadied the ship. He rotated the strike deftly, pulling a few short balls into the stands, and capped his innings with a boundary that brought the score to 53 not out.
West Indies Collapse and Emerging Threats
Jayden Seales, the 22‑year‑old fast bowler, emerged as the pick of the West Indian bowlers. Though he claimed only one wicket, his disciplined line kept the Indian openers on the back foot, earning him the day's most economical spell (1/24 from 7 overs). The rain‑induced pause in the morning seemed to favor his rhythm – a subtle reminder of how weather can swing momentum in Test cricket. Meanwhile, the partnership between Chase and Hope was the lone bright spot for West Indies, hinting that the middle order may yet provide resistance if given a longer platform.
Implications of a New Indian Line‑Up
Perhaps the most striking narrative is the absence of several senior stalwarts – Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. Their long‑standing dominance at home has been replaced by a blend of youth and experience. The selection gamble is already paying off: younger faces like Sai Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy have been handed crucial roles, while veterans such as Siraj and Bumrah provide the firepower needed to keep the pressure on.
What Lies Ahead
Day Two will see India aiming to overturn the 41‑run deficit. With Rahul set, the next test is whether the middle order – Kedar Jadhav or Ajinkya Rahane if recalled – can build a partnership that puts the visitors under the pump. For West Indies, the challenge is to regroup after a dismal first innings and deploy their pace trio, especially the express swing of Seales, to snatch early wickets. The series promises a compelling clash of emerging talent against seasoned craft.
Key Facts
- India: 121/2 at stumps, 41 runs behind.
- West Indies: 162 all out in first innings.
- Top scorer: KL Rahul 53* (unbeaten).
- Best bowler: Mohammad Siraj 4/40.
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does India's new batting line‑up affect their chances in the series?
The absence of senior batsmen forces younger players like Rahul, Gill and Sudharsan to shoulder responsibility earlier. While this adds unpredictability, the early performances – especially Rahul’s half‑century – suggest the revamped order can still post competitive totals, provided they build solid partnerships.
What were the standout bowling performances on Day 1?
Mohammad Siraj’s 4 for 40 was the headline, exploiting seam movement after the brief rain. Jasprit Bumrah’s 3 for 42 complemented Siraj’s spell, while Kuldeep Yadav added two wickets, creating a balanced attack that rattled the West Indian top order.
Why is the absence of veterans like Kohli and Ashwin significant?
Those players anchored India’s dominance at home for over a decade. Their departure opens a selection vacuum, testing the depth of India’s talent pool. It also signals a strategic shift towards a faster, more aggressive style, which could either rejuvenate the side or expose inexperience.
How did the rain interruption influence the early wickets?
The brief shower softened the outfield, making the ball skid after it landed. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell immediately after play resumed, suggesting the damp surface gave bowler Jayden Seales extra movement, which was later echoed by Siraj’s seam swing.
When is the next session scheduled and what should fans watch for?
Day 2 begins at 10:00 am local time. Keep an eye on how India tackles the 41‑run deficit, especially whether Rahul can convert his start into a century and if the middle order can forge a partnership of 150+ runs. For West Indies, the key will be Seales’ early spell and whether the bowlers can replicate Siraj’s discipline.
Michelle Linscomb
October 3, 2025 AT 07:07Rahul’s steady knock sets a solid platform for India.
John McDonald
October 3, 2025 AT 12:40The opening day in Ahmedabad showcased a textbook blend of seam and swing that only a seasoned pace attack can deliver.
Siraj’s four-wicket haul was underpinned by a subtle seam movement that exploited the moisture left by the brief shower.
His outswinger to the first slip induced a catch that set the tone for the rest of the spell.
Bumrah, operating from the death‑over mindset, delivered a precise yorker that trapped Greaves in a moment of indecision.
The partnership between Chase and Hope was the lone bright spot for the visitors, but even that was short‑lived once the Indian bowlers locked in.
Rahul’s half‑century, while composed, was built on selective aggression and clever rotation of the strike.
Gill’s support at the other end allowed the Indian innings to avoid a collapse after early wickets.
The rain‑induced pause indeed altered the pitch dynamics, giving the seamers additional grip.
Seales, despite being a newcomer, showed disciplined line and length that kept the Indian openers honest.
The West Indian batting, however, lacked the necessary application to counter the aggressive field placements.
The strategic decision to swing the toss and bat first backfired as the Indian bowlers capitalized on early movement.
The new Indian lineup, bereft of veterans, demonstrated resilience that silences many critics.
Youthful exuberance paired with veteran discipline created a balanced attack.
As the day concluded, India stood 41 runs behind but with momentum shifting in their favour.
Looking ahead, the key will be whether the middle order can convert this platform into a commanding total.
Jordyn Wade
October 3, 2025 AT 18:13India’s decision to field a younger batting order may look risky on paper, but the early performances suggest depth that can weather early setbacks. Rahul’s half‑century demonstrated patience, while Gill’s steady presence provided the necessary rotation to keep the scoreboard ticking. The bowlers, especially Siraj and Bumrah, executed their plans with precision, reinforcing the idea that experience can be shared across generations. Moreover, the inclusion of emerging talents like Sudharsan and Nitish Kumar Reddy adds a fresh dynamic that could prove decisive in longer formats. It's also worth noting that the West Indies struggled to adapt to the swing‑friendly conditions, which further tilted the balance towards India. Overall, the day’s narrative underscores a seamless blend of youth enthusiasm and veteran savvy.
Zoe Birnbaum
October 3, 2025 AT 23:47What a day of swing and seam! The Indian pacers really owned the early overs.
Amber Brewer
October 4, 2025 AT 05:20John, you nailed the technical breakdown of Siraj’s swing-especially the way the moisture aided late movement. Adding to that, the field placements around slip and gully amplified the pressure, forcing those early catches. Also, the partnership dynamics showed how crucial rotating the strike is in Test cricket. It’ll be interesting to see if the middle order can sustain this approach.
Kim Coulter
October 4, 2025 AT 10:53While I appreciate the optimism about the new lineup, we must acknowledge the raw talent that fuels this resurgence. The aggression shown by the pacers isn’t just skill; it’s a statement of intent that reverberates beyond the boundary. If the younger batsmen channel that same intensity, India could dominate not just this series but future tours.
Michelle Toale-Burke
October 4, 2025 AT 16:27Rahul’s knock was lit 🔥
Amy Paradise
October 4, 2025 AT 22:00Totally agree, that shot selection was on point and the momentum shift felt palpable in the stadium 😊
Janette Cybulski
October 5, 2025 AT 03:33From a strategic standpoint, the early wickets taken by Siraj gave India a psychological edge that can’t be understated. The rain‑induced pitch changes were a double‑edged sword, but the home side adapted faster. Rahul’s composure under pressure set a template for upcoming batsmen. If Gill continues to support the innings, they’re likely to chase down the deficit comfortably.
Mildred Alonzo
October 5, 2025 AT 09:07yeah the wind wasnt even a factor but the ball did seam alot thx
Elizabeth Bennett
October 5, 2025 AT 14:40The absence of stalwarts like Kohli and Ashwin might raise eyebrows, yet it also opens doors for fresh talent to shine. India’s selection committee seems to be betting on a blend of vigor and experience, and the first day’s performance hints it could pay off. The key will be maintaining consistency across the middle order while the bowlers keep the pressure on.
linda menuhin
October 5, 2025 AT 20:13i think its cool how they are trying new things its def not easy but im excited to see how it goes
Jeff Abbott
October 6, 2025 AT 01:47Honestly, the West Indies' batting collapse is a symptom of deeper systemic issues in their cricketing infrastructure. Without proper investment in grassroots development, they’ll keep fielding teams that crumble under disciplined attacks like India’s.
Quinton Merrill
October 6, 2025 AT 07:20👀 interesting point, but maybe give them some credit for the occasional spark they show!
Linda Lawton
October 6, 2025 AT 12:53It’s no coincidence that those veterans are missing; the board is quietly reshaping the team’s identity for ulterior motives.
Ashley Bradley
October 6, 2025 AT 18:27While conspiratorial narratives can be tempting, it’s essential to differentiate between strategic roster changes and covert agendas; the former reflects a natural evolution in a sport that demands adaptation, whereas the latter would require evidence beyond mere speculation, something that, as of now, remains unsubstantiated.