Ahmedabad: Vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance powered Team India to a resounding innings and 140-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test of the two-match series at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday. The hosts dominated across all departments, sealing the win in just three days.

Jadeja’s all-round masterclass

Jadeja was the star performer, scoring an unbeaten 104 runs off 176 balls — including six fours and five sixes — and later claiming four wickets for 54 runs in his 13-over spell. His all-round effort earned him widespread praise as India registered a comprehensive win.

For the West Indies, who resumed the second session of day three at 66/5, the collapse continued despite Alick Athanaze (38) and Justin Greeves (25) attempting to steady the innings. Off-spinner Washington Sundar dismissed Athanaze, and soon after, pacer Mohammed Siraj delivered a double blow in the 37th over, removing both Greeves and Jomel Warrican.

Left-arm spinner Jadeja continued his rampage, dismissing Johann Layne (14) to claim his fourth wicket, before Kuldeep Yadav cleaned up the tail by removing Jayden Seales (22 off 12 balls). The visitors were bundled out for 146 runs, falling short by 140 runs and suffering an innings defeat.

India’s dominant first innings

Earlier, India had declared at 448/5 in 128 overs, securing a massive 286-run lead over the visitors. Jadeja and Washington Sundar (9*) were unbeaten at the crease when skipper Shubman Gill called for the declaration.

The foundation of India’s innings was built on three key partnerships:

  • A 68-run opening stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal (36) and KL Rahul (100).
  • A solid 98-run partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill (50).
  • A 206-run stand between Dhruv Jurel (125) and *Ravindra Jadeja (104)**, which completely deflated the West Indies’ bowling attack.

KL Rahul’s century — his first at home since 2016 — marked a major comeback, joining legends Sunil Gavaskar, Virender Sehwag, and Murali Vijay in reaching 10 or more Test centuries as an opener.

Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel showcased maturity and strokeplay, striking 15 fours and three sixes in his 210-ball knock before being dismissed by Khary Pierre. Jadeja, at the other end, continued his aggressive play, reaching his sixth Test hundred with signature sixes off Warrican.

West Indies’ batting struggles

After opting to bat first on day one, the West Indies failed to withstand India’s disciplined bowling attack. Apart from brief resistance from Roston Chase (24), Shai Hope (26), and Justin Greeves (32), the visitors were bowled out for 162 in 44.1 overs.

The Indian pace duo of Mohammed Siraj (4/40) and Jasprit Bumrah (3/42) exploited the green pitch early on, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav (2/25) and Washington Sundar (1/9) cleaned up the rest.

In the second innings, the West Indies faltered again, with none of their batters crossing the 40-run mark. Jadeja’s spin and Siraj’s fiery pace sealed the match emphatically.

India take 1–0 lead

With this win, India took a 1–0 lead in the two-match series, setting the tone for the next Test. The team’s balance — led by Gill’s captaincy and Jadeja’s leadership support — drew appreciation from fans and analysts alike.

The victory also marked India’s 14th consecutive home Test win against the West Indies, underlining their dominance in subcontinental conditions.