When India cricket team wrapped up a dominant 448/5 in the first Test against the West Indies cricket team at Ahmedabad on October 4, 2025, the match effectively closed on Day 3 of the World Test Championship series. The win – an innings and 140 runs – gave India a 1‑0 series lead and sent a clear signal that home conditions are playing right into their hands.
Why the innings win mattered
In Test cricket, a 300‑plus first‑innings total is usually enough to wrest control. India’s 448 for five, compiled at a steady 3.5 runs per over, featured 45 fours and eight sixes, a blend of textbook defense and calculated aggression. The scoreboard reflected more than raw power; it showed disciplined partnerships that ate away at the West Indies’ 308‑run first‑innings lead.
Batting fireworks: Centuries and a record partnership
At the crease early on Day 3 were KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, both fresh off steady starts. Rahul, ending a 10‑year drought of a home hundred, struck his 11th Test century in just 197 balls – a crisp 100 that he dedicated to his infant daughter. Gill fell agonisingly short at 98, two runs shy of the landmark, after celebrating his own fifty with a quick‑draw single.
The headline act, however, unfolded at the fifth wicket. Dhruv Jurel, in only his sixth Test, launched his maiden century with a flamboyant six over mid‑wicket, then saluted the Indian Army in a brief celebration. Partnering him was the ever‑reliable Ravindra Jadeja, who notched a stylish 104, peppered with five towering sixes that pushed him past MS Dhoni for the most sixes by an Indian in Tests.
Together Jurel and Jadeja stitched a 206‑run stand – just eight runs shy of the Indian fifth‑wicket record of 214 set by VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar. Their partnership turned a solid platform into a crushing lead of 286 runs, leaving the visitors scrambling for a foothold.
West Indies’ response and bowling woes
The West Indies bowling attack never found a rhythm. Even on a turning surface that offered bite, the spinners failed to extract any bite, and the seamers looked flat‑footed. Their inability to create pressure meant India could play at a comfortable tempo, rotating the strike and picking off loose deliveries.
As the day wound down, the hosts’ spinners – primarily Jadeja himself – were primed to exploit the deteriorating pitch. The expectation was clear: a quick finish on Day 4, if not earlier.
Players speak: Pride, perseverance and future plans
“I have been working hard on my batting. We had two months off, no Test cricket or ODIs, I was working on my fitness and skills during that time,” Jadeja said post‑match. “Playing on red soil is fun, you get more turn and bounce, you enjoy that as a spinner.” He added a nod to captaincy structures, praising senior bowlers while noting his own role at the traditional number six slot.
Gill, reflecting on the win, remarked, “Six losses in a row. But as long as we keep winning the matches it does not matter. This was a perfect game for us, three centurions in the game and we fielded really well.” He highlighted the value of quality spinners in India and the team’s resilience under pressure.
Key facts
- India 448/5 declared in 128 overs (3.50 RPO)
- West Indies 308 all out in first innings
- Centuries: KL Rahul 100, Dhruv Jurel 102, Ravindra Jadeja 104
- Highest partnership: Jurel‑Jadeja 206 runs for the fifth wicket
- Result: India won by an innings and 140 runs, 1‑0 series lead
What this win means for the World Test Championship
With two points awarded for a win, India catapults to the top of their WTC group, establishing a cushion that could prove decisive in a tightly contested league. The confidence boost from a dominant home victory also sends a psychological message to other touring sides: the spin‑friendly tracks in India are not easy to navigate.
Looking ahead: The next Test and beyond
The second Test shifts to Rajkot next week. If India can replicate their spin‑dominated game plan, the series could close 2‑0 quickly. For the West Indies, the task will be to tighten their bowling lines and perhaps bring a fresh pace option to trouble the Indian batsmen on a less‑turning surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect India's World Test Championship standing?
The win grants India two points, pushing them to the top of their group with a healthy margin over rivals. With a 1‑0 lead, they can now afford a slip in the next match while still staying on track for a possible group‑stage finish.
Who were the standout performers for India?
Ravindra Jadeja (104 runs, five sixes, Player of the Match) and Dhruv Jurel (102 runs on debut) anchored the innings. KL Rahul’s century broke a long home‑hundred drought, while Shubman Gill’s near‑century added crucial stability.
What went wrong for the West Indies bowlers?
They failed to generate pace or spin bite despite a turning track. Their line and length were erratic, allowing Indian batsmen to rotate strike freely and build long partnerships.
When and where is the next Test scheduled?
The second Test of the series begins on October 12, 2025, at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, a venue known for its slightly slower pitch compared to Ahmedabad.
Will the spin‑friendly conditions continue to favour India?
Yes, Indian spinners thrive on the sub‑continental turn. However, if the pitch in Rajkot offers less bounce, West Indies will need to lean on disciplined seam bowling to make inroads.