Siraj spearheads India as West Indies crumble to 162 on opening day of Ahmedabad Test

By Sarhind Times Sports Desk

Ahmedabad, October 3:
India’s home Test season began with a bang as Mohammed Siraj ripped through the West Indies top order, leading the visitors to a paltry 162 all out on Day 1 of the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium. By stumps, India—under the leadership of new Test captain Shubman Gill—had reached 121/2, trailing by just 41 runs, with the stage set for domination.

The day belonged to Siraj, whose incisive swing bowling rattled the visitors’ backbone early. Supported ably by Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, the Indian attack exploited helpful conditions to perfection, ensuring India held all the aces heading into Day 2.

🔥 Siraj strikes: Fast and furious

Mohammed Siraj, now firmly established as India’s pace spearhead in home conditions too, produced a spell of relentless accuracy and fire.

His three-wicket burst before lunch removed key batters and derailed West Indies’ hopes of building a platform.
He generated movement off the seam, targeting the corridor outside off and keeping batsmen on their toes.
The West Indian top order, already weakened by the absence of Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph due to injury, struggled to cope.

Siraj’s figures of 3/28 encapsulated his growing stature in the Indian attack, once seen as second fiddle to Bumrah but now carving his own identity as a match-winner.

⚡ Other contributors: Bumrah & Kuldeep

Jasprit Bumrah bowled with trademark hostility, dismissing opener John Campbell with a delivery that jagged back sharply.
Kuldeep Yadav, trusted as the lead spinner, deceived Shai Hope with a classical left-arm wrist-spinner’s drift and dip.
The fielding unit complemented the bowlers, with sharp catches in the slips and at short leg.

🏏 West Indies’ batting woes

Opting to bat first was a gamble that quickly backfired.

Their top order collapsed to 68/5, with little resistance against India’s new-ball pairing.
Middle-order batters attempted counterattacks but lacked application on a surface that rewarded patience.
The absence of experienced fast bowlers in their own ranks meant West Indies were doubly vulnerable.

By the time the lower order fell, the visitors were staring at yet another uphill climb in Indian conditions.

🌟 India’s reply: Gill’s steady hand

In response, India batted positively. Openers laid a modest foundation, and by stumps, India had 121/2.

Shubman Gill, captaining his first Test, looked composed, reaching 40* with fluent cover drives and calm temperament.
Yashasvi Jaiswal provided an aggressive start before falling to a short ball.
Cheteshwar Pujara, recalled to steady the middle order, remained unbeaten, anchoring the innings alongside Gill.

The partnership promised India firm control, with only a 41-run deficit left to erase.

📊 Day 1 at a glance

West Indies 1st innings: 162 all out
India 1st innings: 121/2 at stumps
Top performer: Mohammed Siraj – 3 wickets
Turning point: Siraj’s double strike before lunch
Next day outlook: India poised to bat big and secure first-innings dominance

🗣️ Expert voices

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan:

“Siraj’s evolution is India’s big gain. He now knows how to bowl long spells, adapt to conditions, and deliver breakthroughs consistently.”

Caribbean commentator Ian Bishop:

“West Indies must learn to apply themselves. Batting collapses in Asia have been their Achilles’ heel for decades.”

Local fan outside the stadium:

“It felt like Siraj was unplayable today. Every ball was an event.”

🌏 Context: India’s home season reset

This Test marks the beginning of India’s 2024–25 home season, crucial after the setback of a rare home series loss last year. Selectors have opted for a balanced mix of experience and youth:

Young captain Shubman Gill symbolises transition.
Veterans like Bumrah and Pujara provide stability.
Emerging spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are expected to shoulder responsibility.

For West Indies, the tour represents an opportunity to rebuild but their limitations remain evident.

📜 Historical echoes: India vs West Indies Tests

The rivalry dates back to 1948, when India first toured the Caribbean.
West Indies dominated for decades, producing legends like Sobers, Holding, and Lara.
In recent years, however, the balance has swung decisively toward India, especially at home.
The Ahmedabad Test reinforces the trend—India dictating terms with pace and spin alike.

📰 Conclusion

Day 1 of the Ahmedabad Test belonged to India and Mohammed Siraj. With the visitors dismissed for just 162 and India already within striking distance, Gill’s men are poised to take full control. Unless West Indies conjure early breakthroughs and reverse swing magic, the match risks becoming another one-sided chapter in India’s dominant home record.

For fans, the message is clear: a new era of Indian Test leadership has begun, and Siraj has announced himself as its roaring spearhead.

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