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.