By Shreyanka Nandan
Team India delivered a commanding performance to defeat the West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the first Test at Ahmedabad, taking a 1-0 lead in the 2-match series. Ravindra Jadeja was the standout performer with the ball and with the bat , claiming four wickets and scored 104 (176)* with the bat to dismantle the Caribbean lineup.
Earlier, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah tore through the West Indies batting order on Day 1, exploiting the humid Ahmedabad, with swing and seam. Siraj’s four-wicket haul and Bumrah’s three wickets left the visitors reeling, with Justin Greaves’ 32 being the top score for the West Indies.
In response, India started cautiously, reaching 121/2 at stumps on Day 1. After a brief rain interruption on Day 2, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan fell cheaply, but Rahul and Jurel steadied the innings with solid centuries. Jadeja’s composed ton later took India’s total beyond reach, prompting the early declaration.
Opting to declare their innings at 448/5 before the start of Day 3, India’s innings was powered by centuries from KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, and Jadeja himself. The trio’s dominance ensured that India built a massive lead after the West Indies were bowled out for just 162 runs in their first innings.When the West Indies returned to batting on Day 3, they once again faltered against India’s relentless bowling attack. Jadeja’s spin and the pace duo of Siraj and Bumrah sealed the win by an innings margin and a statement victory to end the series.