Siraj Strikes as West Indies Crumble to 90/5 Before Lunch in Ahmedabad

India began their home Test season in dominant fashion, reducing West Indies to 90 for 5 at lunch on the opening day of the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Pacer Mohammed Siraj led the charge with an incisive spell, claiming three wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with one apiece.

On a green-tinged surface offering early assistance, Siraj made full use of the conditions to dismantle the West Indies top order. He picked up where he left off during India’s England tour, showcasing his rhythm and accuracy to deliver key breakthroughs. Siraj finished the session with impressive figures of 3 for 19.

Kuldeep, who was benched throughout the England series, made an immediate impact in his return to the XI. Bowling just his second over, the left-arm wrist-spinner produced the ball of the morning — a classic delivery that breached Shai Hope’s defense and sent his stumps cartwheeling, giving India a huge boost going into the break.

West Indies, fielding a relatively inexperienced top order, faltered under pressure. Opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul fell for a duck, caught down the leg side, while Brandon King left a straight delivery that crashed into his middle stump — a lapse in judgment he will quickly want to forget.

Alick Athanaze showed glimpses of composure after a nervy start but eventually succumbed to Siraj’s guile. The pacer tempted the left-hander with a full delivery, drawing a booming drive that resulted in a sharp catch at slip.

Jasprit Bumrah, who recently returned from injury and bowled effectively in the Asia Cup, struck with the dismissal of John Campbell. Initially given not out, the decision was overturned on review after Bumrah convinced skipper Rohit Sharma to challenge it. Replays confirmed a faint edge as the ball brushed Campbell’s bat and pad.

Despite not being at their absolute best — conceding seven boundaries in the first ten overs — India’s bowlers stuck to the basics and maintained pressure, capitalizing on the West Indies' poor shot selection and lack of application.

At lunch, Roston Chase remained unbeaten on 22, providing some resistance, but with half the side already back in the pavilion, the visitors face a steep task ahead to post a competitive total.