Ahmedabad, Oct 2 (NationPress) Exceptional contributions from Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and K.L. Rahul propelled India to a commanding position on the first day of the inaugural Test match against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium today.

With a lively pitch, Siraj's incisive bowling (4-40) and Bumrah's impressive spells (3-42) led to the West Indies being dismissed for a mere 162 runs in just 44.1 overs. Siraj started with a bang, while Bumrah picked up crucial wickets towards the end of the inning.

In response, Rahul's unbeaten score of 53 from 114 deliveries - marking his 20th Test fifty - took India to 121/2 in 38 overs at the close of play, reducing the deficit to just 41 runs with eight wickets remaining. Rahul showcased his usual poise, anchoring the innings with his characteristic elegance.

He struck six boundaries, and his late cuts and drives were executed with precision, highlighting his control and clarity in strokeplay. Partnering with Shubman Gill, who remained steady at 18 not out after a successful England tour, Rahul ensured India ended the day in a robust position, signaling their intent to dominate the upcoming home season.

During the morning session, the West Indies found themselves in trouble early on, with Siraj using swing, seam, and bounce to reduce them to 42/4. Tagenarine Chanderpaul, returning to Test cricket after 21 months, was dismissed for a duck in the first over after edging a delivery from Siraj.

John Campbell followed suit, caught behind on review off Bumrah. Brandon King hit three quick boundaries but fell victim to a delivery from Siraj that crashed into the stumps. Alick Athanaze showed brief resistance but was dismissed after edging to second slip, giving Siraj his third wicket.

At 42/4, the West Indies were in dire straits due to the relentless pressure from Siraj and Bumrah. Shai Hope and Roston Chase attempted to recover with a 48-run partnership, capitalizing on loose deliveries while showing intent against spin. Hope, in particular, showcased his skillful back-foot play and measured drives.

However, just as the West Indies appeared to stabilize, Kuldeep Yadav, playing his first Test in over a year, delivered a brilliant ball that drifted and turned sharply, breaching Hope's defense just before lunch.

The post-lunch session began with Siraj creating a steep angle into Chase from wide of the crease, resulting in a leading edge that was caught by Jurel. Siraj nearly claimed a fifth wicket when he trapped Justin Greaves lbw, but the review showed the ball missing leg stump.

Despite the fielders' disappointment, Bumrah quickly consoled his fellow pacer. Siraj maintained his rhythm, consistently troubling the batters with his lengths. Washington struck next, trapping Khary Pierre lbw, before Bumrah returned to clean up Greaves and Johann Layne with his signature inswinging yorkers.

Kuldeep wrapped up the innings when Jomel Warrican attempted a reverse-sweep, but a sharp catch by Jurel ensured India finished with a commanding position, as the West Indies displayed a lack of application and resilience in their batting.

Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were cautious as they took India to 23/0 in 12.4 overs before a brief rain delay. After the break, Jaiswal switched gears, finding gaps with his cuts and drives, even employing the sweep shot. Their partnership surpassed fifty runs, marking the fifth time in 22 innings that the opening pair achieved this milestone.

However, in an attempt to cut a delivery, Jaiswal edged behind to Shai Hope off Jayden Seales for 36 on a delivery that was not short enough for that shot. B Sai Sudharsan, playing his first Test in India, had a nervous stay before being trapped lbw trying to pull a fuller ball from Roston Chase for seven.

India remains committed to supporting Sudharsan throughout the series, though scrutiny may increase if his low scores continue. Rahul, meanwhile, anchored the innings but briefly required medical attention after clutching his right hamstring following a sharp cut shot off Chase.

Despite lingering discomfort, Rahul resumed batting and brought up his fifty with a single. With the pitch drying out and appearing favorable for batting, India will aim to establish a significant first-innings lead on Friday with the help of Rahul and Gill.

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) trail India 121/2 in 38 overs (KL Rahul 53 not out, Yashasvi Jaiswal 36; Roston Chase 1-16, Jayden Seales 1-21) by 41 runs