Jadeja, Siraj Lead India to Thumping Innings Victory Over West Indies in Three Days
India began their new home season in dominant fashion, thrashing West Indies by an innings and 140 runs in the first Test in Ahmedabad, wrapping up the match within three days.
It was Ravindra Jadeja who starred with both bat and ball, scoring an unbeaten 104 and taking 4 for 54 in the second innings. His all-round brilliance, backed by Mohammed Siraj’s match haul of 7 wickets, ensured India completed a comprehensive win despite declaring their first innings overnight at 448 for 5.
The West Indies, after being bowled out for 162 in their first innings, failed to put up a fight in the second, folding for just 146 after lunch on day three.
Jadeja’s All-Round Masterclass
Jadeja once again reminded the cricketing world of his all-round pedigree. At 36 years old, and in the absence of longtime spin partner R Ashwin, Jadeja stood tall — quite literally carrying the team through the match. His century came in typical fashion: resilient, composed, and timely. With the ball, he struck early on day three to dent West Indies’ hopes of revival and triggered a collapse they never recovered from.
Having been a constant presence in Indian Test cricket since the beginning of their previous unbeaten home run in 2013, Jadeja’s performance was both a statement and a symbolic passing of the torch to a new generation of Indian cricketers.
Siraj’s Strikes Seal the Deal
Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj backed up his first-innings figures of 4 for 40 with 3 for 31 in the second innings, showing his growing maturity as a frontline Test pacer. He dismantled the West Indies lower order with pace and discipline, including a comical dismissal of Jomel Warrican, who lost grip of his bat while attempting an aggressive stroke — the bat flying to square leg while the ball found a fielder at mid-on.
Athanaze Shows Resistance, But Alone
One of the few bright spots for West Indies was Alick Athanaze, who scored a composed 38 and showcased sound technique against spin. His reverse sweeps and calculated footwork showed promise, but once he was dismissed — deceived by an offbreak from Washington Sundar — the rest of the West Indies lineup fell apart quickly.
A Statement Win After Historic Loss
This dominant win also comes in the wake of India’s first home Test series loss in nearly 12 years, a streak that had lasted from February 2013 to October 2024. With stalwarts like Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Cheteshwar Pujara now retired, India’s Test side is in transition. Yet, the emphatic nature of this win, spearheaded by the veterans and supported by promising youngsters, will come as a welcome sign for the team and its fans.
Score Summary
India: 448 for 5 declared (Jurel 125, Jadeja 104*, R Chase 2-90)
West Indies 1st innings: 162 (Greaves 32, Siraj 4-40, Bumrah 3-42)
West Indies 2nd innings: 146 (Athanaze 38, Jadeja 4-54, Siraj 3-31)
Result: India won by an innings and 140 runs
The second Test of the series will be a chance for West Indies to regroup, while India will look to continue their dominance and begin building another era of home invincibility.