IND vs WI: India's All Round Dominates Rivals In 1st Test

India began their home test series in authoritative style in the IND vs WI Test match series, defeating the West Indies by an innings within three days. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja were the key players of the victory for India, defeating the visitors both with the bat and ball in Ahmedabad.

Jadeja’s All-Round Genius Drives India

100 and 4-Wicket – Jadeja Establishes His Mark

Experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja showcased his class once again, smashing an unbelievable 104 not out* and then grabbing 4 for 54. This performance established him as one of the great all-rounder players in modern-day cricket.

This match marked the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket, being the first home Test without R Ashwin in over a decade. Jadeja, at 36 years old, filled the void seamlessly, showcasing his experience and control.

Siraj’s Breakthrough Performance at Home

First 5-Wicket Haul in India

Mohammed Siraj posted his first five-wicket haul in a home Test, yet again breaking the back of West Indies’ weak batting line-up. His line was so disciplined and movement off the seam was too much for the visitors, who were folded twice in just two sessions each on Day 1 and Day 3.

Athanaze – A Lone Warrior for West Indies

As West Indies struggled, one man who impressed with his application and skill against spin was Alick Athanaze. His two reverse sweeps and lovely cover drive indicated much. But even his determination was shattered after 73 balls, outfoxed by Washington Sundar’s turner.

West Indies’ Batting Woes Continue

Top-Order Fails Again

The top-order of the visitors was unable to offer any resistance. The openers, John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, scored disappointing totals of 8, 14 and 0, 8. Campbell, with 23 Test appearances, still has no international centuries and just 9 in 101 First-Class matches.

Inexperience and Injuries Hurt WI

Already losing two of their front-line bowlers to injury, the West Indies were underconfident while arriving in India. The form and experience were practically lacking in the batting department. Just two players crossed the 30-run mark, and just two were presented more than 50 balls during both innings.

Jadeja’s Tactical Brilliance Dismantles Middle Order

Critics usually call Jadeja a man who simply throws the ball in and depends on assistance from the pitch. But, his playing dismissal of Brandon King revealed his cunning. When King drove him for four, Jadeja subtly altered the direction, forcing a false front-foot shot, which resulted in an easy slip catch.

Symbolic Collapse: Bat Flies, Hopes Sink

One of the more telling moments came when Jomel Warrican, in a desperate attempt to hit Siraj, lost his bat mid-swing it flew to square leg. That moment created the chaos in West Indies’ batting.

India Bounce Back After Historic Home Series Loss

First Series After 12-Year Unbeaten Run Broken

This victory is all the more impressive given India were fresh from their first home Test series defeat in 12 years, which concluded on October 25, 2024, against New Zealand. With icons Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Cheteshwar Pujara retired, the team is in transition but Jadeja is a more than consistent pillar.

He was a member of the team that started India’s home winning streak in 2013 and now plays an integral role in rebuilding after its destruction.

What’s Next in IND vs WI Series

With this dominating win, India lead the two-match IND vs WI Test series 1-0. The second Test is scheduled to start in Delhi in five days’ time, and West Indies will have to change everything about their approach to have a chance. Their 31-year-old wait for a Test victory in India remains uninterrupted.