When India wrapped up Day 1 of the opening Test against West Indies at Narendra Modi Stadium, they stood at 121 / 2 and were still 41 runs shy of the visitors’ total. The hosts had bowled the Caribbean side out for a modest 162, but the early loss of wickets kept the scoreboard tight. Here’s why the early drama matters: a fresh Indian XI, missing most of the veterans who dominated home Tests for a decade, showed they could still dominate with pace and firepower.
Day 1 Overview: Numbers That Tell the Story
At the close of play on Thursday, 3 October 2025, the scorecard read:
- West Indies 162 all out (44.1 overs)
- India 121 / 2 (35.2 overs)
- Lead: West Indies +41 runs
- Key wicket‑takers: Mohammed Siraj (3/45), Jasprit Bumrah (2/38)
- Top scorer for India: KL Rahul 53* (unbeaten)
The figures underline a day where the bowling duel defined the narrative. Siraj’s bounce and Bumrah’s yorkers made life miserable for the Caribbean top order, while the Indian batsmen steadied the ship before nightfall.
West Indies Batting Collapse
Winning the toss, West Indies elected to bat – a decision that quickly unraveled. Their openers fell before lunch, the scoreboard flashing 5 / 2 when the first wicket fell. Justin Greaves managed a gritty 32, while Roston Chase added 24 and Shai Hope contributed 26. None could build a partnership big enough to steady the innings.
Only Jayden Seales claimed a wicket – the dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal for 36 – but his effort was a bright spot in an otherwise silent attack.
The Caribbean side’s total of 162 was their lowest in a Test against India at home in over a decade, a fact that sends a clear signal to their bowlers about the margins they’ll need to protect tomorrow.
Indian Bowling Highlights: Siraj Leads the Charge
Mohammed Siraj emerged as the day's hero, ripping out three wickets with a blend of extra‑pace and sharp seam movement. His spell of 7.2 overs, 45 runs and 3 wickets (7‑2‑45‑3) turned the match on its head.
Partnering him was the veteran fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. With a tidy 2/38, Bumrah’s slower ball and precise yorkers forced the West Indian batsmen into a defensive shell. Together, they claimed seven of the ten wickets that fell on Day 1.
The two pace icons also contributed in the field – Bumrah’s catch off John Campbell was taken by wicket‑keeper Dhruv Jurel, underscoring a day where fielding matched the intensity of the bowling.
Opening Partnership and Rahul’s Anchor
The Indian batting start was anything but shaky. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal stitched together a 68‑run opening stand – the highest partnership of the innings.
Jaiswal’s 36 came before a brief rain interruption, after which he fell to a crisp delivery from Jayden Seales. The partnership’s momentum was briefly shaken when Sai Sudharsan added a modest 7 before being clean‑bowled by Roston Chase.
But KL Rahul held the fort. His half‑century, unbeaten on 53 at stumps, blended aggression with caution – a classic anchor that let the tail breathe. Captain Shubman Gill chipped in an unbeaten 18, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking.
With eight wickets in hand, India only needed 42 more runs to flip the lead, a target that feels comfortably within reach for a side that has already weathered the early storm.
Implications: A New Era Takes Shape
What makes this Test truly noteworthy is the personnel shift. For the first time in more than ten years, the Indian XI fielded no regulars such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane or Cheteshwar Pujara. The lineup leaned heavily on youth and pace, a gamble that paid off on Day 1.
Analysts are already debating whether the three‑spinner contingency—an unusual move for a sub‑continental venue—will be needed if the pitch starts to turn. So far, the opposition has struggled to exploit any spin, making the decision to play three spinners a tactical curiosity rather than a necessity.
Looking ahead, Day 2 promises a crucial battle for the first‑innings lead. If India can chase down the remaining 42 runs quickly, they’ll force the West Indies to bat again under fresh conditions. Conversely, a collapse could hand the visitors a psychological edge. Either way, the series is shaping up to be a litmus test for India’s emerging core.
What to Watch on Day 2
- Will the spin trio—Ravichandran Ashwin, Rashid Khan (if selected) and a third—make an impact once the pitch settles?
- Can Mohammed Siraj continue his wicket‑taking spree, or will the Caribbean bowlers find a foothold?
- Will the Indian middle order, anchored by Virat Kohli in the squad but not playing, still feel the absence of veteran experience?
- How will the weather—still unsettled after a brief rain—affect the pitch’s behaviour for the second innings?
Frequently Asked Questions
How does India's new lineup affect their chances of winning the series?
The fresh XI swaps experience for energy. While the absence of stalwarts like Kohli and Sharma removes a layer of composure, young players such as KL Rahul and fast bowlers Siraj and Bumrah have already shown they can handle pressure. If they continue to dominate early, the series could tilt in India’s favor despite the veteran gap.
What were the key reasons for West Indies' low total?
Sharp seam movement from Siraj and disciplined death overs from Bumrah forced premature errors. The Caribbean top order never settled, with five wickets falling before lunch. A lack of experience against high‑pace swing in sub‑continental conditions also contributed to the collapse.
Who are the standout performers so far?
For India, Mohammed Siraj (3/45) and KL Rahul (53*) lead the charge. On the West Indian side, Jayden Seales took the lone wicket and bowled a disciplined spell, while Justin Greaves offered the most resistance with 32 runs.
What impact does the venue have on the match?
Narendra Modi Stadium is one of the world’s largest cricket arenas, offering a flat pitch that traditionally favors batsmen. However, early moisture and a green top on Day 1 gave fast bowlers extra swing, which the Indian pacers exploited. As the game progresses, the surface may flatten, potentially aiding spinners.
When is Day 2 scheduled and what should fans expect?
Day 2 kicks off on Friday, 4 October 2025, with India aiming to chase the remaining 42 runs to take a first‑innings lead. Assuming a smooth chase, the hosts will bowl again, testing West Indies’ lower order on a pitch that may start to turn. Fans can expect a tactical showdown between India’s pace attack and the Caribbean bowlers seeking redemption.