India’s pace duo Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah wreaked havoc on the West Indies line-up, claiming seven wickets between them to bowl the tourists out for just 162 on day one of the first Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
When stumps were drawn, India were 121-2 in response, trailing by 41 runs, with opener KL Rahul on 53 and captain Shubman Gill on 18. Despite a brief interruption due to fading light and rain, India remained in a commanding position.
The visitors had started cautiously, with Roston Chase (24), Shai Hope (26) and Justin Greaves (32) posting starts, but the hosts’ seam attack quickly turned the tide. Siraj’s swing and precision removed Tagenarine Chanderpaul for a duck on his Test return, followed by the dismissals of John Campbell (8) and Brandon King (13). Alick Athanaze fell for 12, leaving West Indies in deep trouble at 20-2.
Spin support from Kuldeep Yadav proved crucial, as he claimed two wickets, including Shai Hope, to break a 48-run partnership with Chase. Siraj returned after the break to dismiss West Indies captain, and Washington Sundar trapped debutant Khary Pierre for 11. Bumrah finished strongly, removing Justin Greaves and Johann Layne to take his 50th home Test wicket, with Kuldeep dismissing Jomel Warrican for eight to complete the innings.
KL Rahul overcame a left hamstring cramp to reach his 20th Test half-century, helping India establish a solid platform for their first-innings total.
The West Indies, missing injured seamers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph, are playing their first tour of India in seven years and are seeking their first Test win in the country since 1994. India, captained by Shubman Gill in his first home Test following the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin, are aiming for a series sweep after a 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand last year.
