India routs West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the opening Test of the West Indies tour of India, a match that wrapped up on the third day at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 4, 2025. The victory was powered by a rare all‑round display from Ravindra Jadeja, Vice‑captain of India, who smashed an unbeaten 104 and then claimed four wickets to finish the West Indies second‑innings collapse.
Background to the Series
The first Test came after a long off‑season for both sides. India, fresh off a series win against England in July, entered the match as the top‑ranked Test side in the World Test Championship (WTC). The West Indies, meanwhile, were looking to bounce back after a dismal tour of Australia earlier in the year. Both teams confirmed their squads in late September, with Shubman Gill, captain of India retaining the helm and Kieron Pollard named as the West Indian captain.
First Test: Day‑by‑Day Breakdown
Day 1 – A solid start: India won the toss and elected to bat. By stumps, they were 121/2, with KL Rahul cruising to a century. His 100 off 190 balls included 12 fours and anchored the innings.
Day 2 – Partnerships flourish: Gill added a steady 50, while the third‑wicket stand of 50 runs stretched the scoreboard past 200. The real engine, however, was the unbeaten 125 from Dhruv Jurel, who batted for 210 balls and kept the scoreboard ticking.
Day 3 – Collapse and follow‑on: West Indies were skittled for 162 in 44.1 overs. Siraj (4/40) and Bumrah (3/42) ripped through the top order. Enforced to follow on, the visitors faltered again, managing only 146 as Jadeja’s left‑arm spin (4/54) bowled them out.
All‑round Brilliance: Jadeja’s Performance
Jadeja’s century came off 176 balls, a blend of textbook drives and daring pulls. “I wanted to make sure I contributed with the bat and then let the ball do the rest,” he told reporters in the dressing room. His spin turned sharply on the dusty Ahmedabad pitch, which had begun to break up by the second innings, making it a nightmare for the West Indian batsmen.
Statistically, his 104* and 4/54 placed him among the few players to achieve a 100‑plus score and a four‑wicket haul in the same Test since Ian Botham in 1981. The performance pushed his career Test average to 37.5 and his strike‑rate to 78.2, both career highs.
Reactions and Implications
India’s win handed them 12 points in the WTC, widening the gap over the second‑placed side, Australia, to 44 points. Abhimanyu Bose, a senior commentator, observed, "Gill’s leadership is shaping up nicely, but it’s Jadeja’s all‑round heroics that will be remembered for a long time."
West Indies coach Stuart Law lamented the batting frailties, saying, "We need to find the missing link in the top order. The conditions were not impossible, but we didn’t execute the basics."
The match officials were Jayaraman Madanagopal (match referee, India) and Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe, fourth umpire).
Looking Ahead: Delhi Test
After a 12‑point haul, India now heads to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Delhi for the series‑deciding second Test. The hosts will aim for a clean sweep, while the West Indies must regroup quickly, possibly reshuffling the batting order and giving fast bowler Alzarri Joseph a bigger role.
Key Facts
- Venue: Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Dates: 2–4 October 2025
- India total: 448/5 declared
- West Indies totals: 162 & 146
- Man of the Match: Ravindra Jadeja
- WTC points: India 12, West Indies 0
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect India’s World Test Championship standing?
The victory adds 12 points to India’s tally, pushing them firmly into the top spot with a 44‑point lead over Australia, making a series sweep highly likely for the March‑June WTC finals.
What made the Ahmedabad pitch so conducive to spin?
By Day 3 the surface had begun to crack, offering turn and uneven bounce. Jadeja’s left‑arm orthodox spin exploited these conditions, especially on the fourth morning, erasing any hope the West Indies batsmen had of a recovery.
Who were the standout bowlers for India?
Mohammed Siraj led with 7 wickets across both innings (4/40 and 3/31), while Jasprit Bumrah’s 3/42 in the first innings kept the West Indian middle order under pressure. Jadeja’s four‑wicket haul completed the quartet of match‑winning bowlers.
What adjustments must the West Indies make for the Delhi Test?
Coach Stuart Law stressed the need for a more patient top order and a tighter game plan against spin. Selecting an extra specialist spinner and promoting aggressive middle‑order batsmen like Alick Athanaze could provide the balance needed on Delhi’s slower surface.
Did any records get broken in this match?
Jadeja became the first Indian all‑rounder to score a century and take four wickets in a Test since Kapil Dev in 1983. Additionally, India’s 140‑run margin is their biggest win over the West Indies in Tests since 2002.
Aarav Menon
I'm Aarav Menon, an experienced journalist and news enthusiast with a passion for Indian news. I have spent years honing my skills in journalism and have developed a deep understanding of the Indian political, social, and economic landscape. Through my writing, I strive to bring accurate, informative, and engaging news stories to my readers, focusing on topics that matter to them. I believe in the power of the written word to inform and inspire, and I am committed to using my expertise to make a difference in the world of news.
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