Ahmedabad, Oct 2 (NationPress) Exceptional displays by Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and K.L. Rahul propelled India into a commanding position on the opening day of the inaugural Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.

On a lively pitch, incisive spells from Siraj (4-40) and Bumrah (3-42) led to the West Indies being bowled out for a modest total of 162 in 44.1 overs. Siraj wreaked havoc early on, while Bumrah added to the pressure, wrapping up the tail at the end.

In response, Rahul’s unbeaten 53 off 114 balls - marking his 20th Test half-century - helped India reach 121/2 in 38 overs at stumps, reducing the deficit to just 41 runs with eight wickets in hand. Rahul, in his trademark calm and collected manner, anchored the innings with precision and elegance.

His six boundaries included beautifully timed late drives and cuts, demonstrating his control and clarity in strokeplay. Partnering with Shubman Gill, who was not out on 18, Rahul ensured India ended the day in a position of strength, signaling their readiness for a dominant 2025/26 home season.

In the morning session, the West Indies were rocked by Siraj’s early swing, seam, and bounce, reducing them to 42/4. Tagenarine Chanderpaul made a disappointing return to Test cricket, falling for a duck after edging one down leg to Jurel off Siraj.

John Campbell quickly followed, caught behind on a review off Bumrah. Brandon King struck three quick boundaries but was soon dismissed by Siraj, leaving the West Indies in dire straits. After a brief resistance from Alick Athanaze, who fell after edging to slip, the West Indies were left reeling.

At 42/4, the visitors faced an uphill battle thanks to Siraj and Bumrah's relentless pressure. However, Shai Hope and Roston Chase seemed to stabilize the innings with a 48-run partnership, taking advantage of loose deliveries.

Just when it appeared the West Indies were recovering, Kuldeep Yadav produced a stunning delivery, drifting and turning sharply to rattle Hope's stumps on the verge of lunch.

The post-lunch session saw Siraj continuing to press, extracting a leading edge from Chase, while Bumrah returned to dismiss both Greaves and Johann Layne with his signature inswinging yorkers.

Kuldeep ended the innings when Jomel Warrican attempted a reverse sweep, leading to a catch by Jurel, as India walked off with a dominant position, following a lackluster effort from the West Indies batting unit.

Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were cautious, reaching 23/0 before a brief rain interruption. Post-break, Jaiswal showcased aggressive strokes, including a sweeping shot, but was dismissed for 36 while attempting another boundary.

B Sai Sudharsan, making his Test debut in India, struggled briefly before being trapped lbw for seven. Despite some discomfort, Rahul maintained his role as the anchor, successfully reaching his fifty with a single. With the pitch appearing favorable for batting and eight wickets in hand, India aims to build a significant first-innings lead on Friday.

Brief scores:

West Indies: 162 all out in 44.1 overs (Justin Greaves 32, Shai Hope 26; Mohammed Siraj 4-40, Jasprit Bumrah 3-42) lead India: 121/2 in 38 overs (K.L. Rahul 53 not out, Yashasvi Jaiswal 36; Roston Chase 1-16, Jayden Seales 1-21) by 41 runs