Ahmedabad, October 3, 2025: India continued their dominant display in the first Test against West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with Jasprit Bumrah creating history by becoming the fastest Indian bowler to reach 50 Test wickets in India in terms of deliveries bowled.

Bumrah’s record-breaking performance

Bumrah, who was under scrutiny for missing two matches in the five-match Test series against England due to workload management, silenced critics with a brilliant performance. He claimed three key wickets – John Campbell, Justin Greaves, and Johann Layne – finishing with impressive figures of 3/42.

Having bowled 1,747 balls, Bumrah became the fastest Indian to 50 Test wickets in India. Additionally, he equalled the record of 24 innings, sharing the joint-fastest Indian pacer record with Javagal Srinath.

Bumrah started his wicket-taking spree by dismissing John Campbell, who was caught behind by Dhruv Jurel for 8 runs off 19 balls. Later, in the second session, he clean bowled Justin Greaves (32 off 48 balls) and dismantled Johann Layne by knocking over the stumps in the 41st over, effectively wrapping up the West Indies tail.

India’s commanding position

West Indies, having won the toss and opted to bat, struggled against a fiery Indian bowling attack. Mohammed Siraj wreaked havoc on the top order, claiming a four-wicket haul, while Bumrah finished the tail efficiently. The visitors were bowled out for 162 runs within 50 overs, giving India a 286-run lead.

Batting in response, India reached 448/5 by the end of Day 2, with notable contributions from KL Rahul (53 not out) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (36 off 54 balls). Rahul and Shubman Gill (18 not out) also stitched together a fifty-run partnership, helping India consolidate their strong position. Despite losing Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan (7 off 19 balls) in quick succession, India maintained momentum.

Context and significance

Bumrah’s milestone comes at a crucial juncture in his career. Having faced criticism for being rested in the England series, this performance underscores his fitness, skill, and consistency in the longest format. Achieving 50 wickets in just 1,747 deliveries highlights his efficiency and impact as a strike bowler for India.

Siraj and Bumrah’s combined bowling excellence demonstrates India’s formidable pace attack, capable of dismantling oppositions quickly. Their performance ensures that India is firmly in control and can look to bat West Indies out of contention in the opening Test.

Conclusion

With India holding a commanding lead of 286 runs, and Bumrah setting a historic record, the first Test against West Indies reflects India’s dominance in home conditions. As the series progresses, Bumrah’s milestone serves as a reminder of his importance to the Indian bowling lineup and the team’s continued strength in Test cricket.