India trail West Indies by 41 runs after KL Rahul’s 53 in Day 1 Test

When KL Rahul, India opener stood unbeaten on 53 at the close of day one, Shubman Gill, the new Indian captain, was 18 not out, giving India a total of 121/2 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The visitors, West Indies Cricket Board, had been bundled out for 162, leaving the hosts trailing by 41 runs after the first innings of the India vs West Indies 1st TestAhmedabad. The day unfolded with rapid wickets, a flurry of DRS drama, and a clear signal that India’s new‑look side is hungry for success.

Day 1 Summary: How the Numbers Stacked Up

The toss, held at 9:00 a.m. IST, saw the West Indies elect to bat. Their top order sputtered, delivering 90/5 by the lunch break (23.2 overs). Only Justin Greaves (32), Roston Chase (24) and Shai Hope (26) managed half‑scores, and the innings collapsed to 162 all out in 44.1 overs.

India’s reply was anchored by the Rahul‑Gill partnership, which added 68 runs before Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for 36. A quick wicket of Sai Sudharsan (7) threatened the momentum, but Rahul’s calm half‑century kept the scoreboard ticking.

• West Indies 162 (44.1 overs)
• India 121/2 (35.3 overs) at stumps
• India trail by 41 runs
• Key bowlers: Mohammed Siraj (3/28), Jasprit Bumrah (1/20), Kuldeep Yadav (1/18)

Key Performances: Who Stood Out?

KL Rahul showed why he’s been called a backbone of the batting order. His 53 came off 92 balls, a blend of elegant drives and well‑timed cuts. Gill, while still finding his footing as captain, provided a steady 18* and made a game‑changing DRS call that led to the wicket of Roston Chase.

On the bowling front, Mohammed Siraj set the tone with three early wickets, exploiting the green‑top conditions that pundits had predicted would favour seamers. Jasprit Bumrah added a crucial breakthrough, while left‑arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav claimed the final West Indian wicket (Jomel Warrican, caught behind after a successful review).

West Indies’ top‑order failure was stark. Even the experienced Roston Chase couldn’t convert his start, falling for 24 after a sharp bouncer from Siraj.

Bowling Dominance: The Seam Attack’s Edge

Back‑to‑back overs from Siraj and Bumrah saw the West Indies wobble at 90/5. The pitch’s slight green hue, deliberately prepared after India’s struggles against New Zealand in 2024, offered seam movement and a little extra bounce. The duo shared seven wickets between them, underscoring a strategic decision by India’s coach to lean heavily on pace rather than spin on the first day.

Kuldeep’s late entry added a left‑arm angle that the Caribbean batsmen found uncomfortable, especially on a surface that began to soften as the day progressed.

Historical Context: A New Era for Indian Test Cricket

This match marks the first Indian home Test without Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma or Ravichandran Ashwin in the XI since November 2010. Gill’s debut as captain on home soil follows a 2‑2 series draw against England earlier this year, where he earned praise for his calm demeanor and tactical acumen.

The series also serves as a litmus test for the young core—Rahul, Jaiswal, Sudharsan, and Siraj—to cement their places ahead of the upcoming England tour in early 2026.

Broadcast & Audience: How Fans Can Follow the Action

In India, the match is being aired on Star Sports Network and streamed live on Jio Hotstar across mobile, laptop, and smart‑TV devices. Across the Atlantic, U.S. viewers can watch on Willow TV, with a complimentary seven‑day trial of the Willow TV app available via Amazon Prime Video starting 3 October at 12:00 a.m. EDT.

Social media buzz has been intense, with #INDvsWI trending on Twitter and Indian fans flooding Instagram with clips of Siraj’s fiery spell.

What Lies Ahead: Day 2 and Beyond

India will resume at 9:30 a.m. IST on 3 October, needing just 42 more runs to take a lead. The batting order will likely look to build a solid partnership before throwing the new‑ball at the West Indian bowlers, who will be eager to bounce back.

If the hosts can post a first‑innings total above 300, they’ll put real pressure on the visitors, who still have a potent pace attack led by Alzarri Joseph and left‑arm spinner Akeal Hosein.

The series consists of two Tests, so the momentum from this opening encounter could prove decisive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this result affect India's Test ranking?

A 41‑run deficit after the first innings is a modest concern, but the ICC ranking points will hinge on the series outcome. A series win could boost India’s rank by 0.15‑0.20 points, while a loss would dent it slightly.

Who were the standout bowlers on day one?

Mohammed Siraj led with three wickets, exploiting early seam movement. Jasprit Bumrah’s disciplined line earned a key wicket, and Kuldeep Yadav wrapped up the innings with a smart caught‑behind dismissal.

What does Shubman Gill’s captaincy mean for the team?

Gill’s calm leadership style, combined with his batting credentials, offers a fresh voice at the helm. His early DRS decision shows a willingness to back his bowlers, a trait expected to foster confidence across the squad.

When does day two kick off and what should fans watch for?

Day two starts at 9:30 a.m. IST on 3 October. Fans should watch how quickly India overtakes the 162‑run target and whether the partnership between Rahul and the middle order can set a platform of 300 plus.

How are the pitch conditions expected to evolve?

The green top favored seamers early on, but as the sun beats down, the surface is likely to flatten, giving spinners like Kuldeep more grip on the third and fourth days.