Jadeja's All-Round Masterclass Seals Dominant Win for India
A masterful all-round performance from veteran Ravindra Jadeja powered India to a crushing victory over the West Indies, as the hosts wrapped up the first Test by an innings and 140 runs in a dominant display that lasted less than three days. Jadeja followed his brilliant first-innings century with a four-wicket haul, leading a relentless Indian bowling attack that completely dismantled the visitors in Ahmedabad.
The Jadeja Show Continues
Having already shaped the match with a superb unbeaten 104, the 36-year-old Jadeja returned to torment the West Indies with the ball. He was at his clinical best, demonstrating his tactical genius by expertly setting up the batsmen. His dismissal of Brandon King was a case in point, luring him forward with flighted deliveries before a subtle change in trajectory induced a fatal edge to slip. His final figures of 4 for 54 were a just reward for a performance that underlined his status as one of the world's premier all-rounders, especially in home conditions. In the first Test of the post-Ashwin era, Jadeja stepped up to fill the void magnificently.
Pace and Pressure from Siraj
While Jadeja spun a web around the middle order, it was Mohammed Siraj who provided the fire. Continuing his excellent form from the opening day, Siraj was sharp and aggressive, finishing with three more wickets to take his match tally to seven—his first five-plus wicket haul in a home Test. His pace and relentless attack on the stumps proved too much for the West Indian tail, culminating in a bizarre dismissal where Jomel Warrican's bat flew out of his hands while attempting a wild swing, a moment that symbolized the visitors' hapless performance.
A Glimmer of Resistance
Amid the wreckage of the West Indian innings, Alick Athanaze was the lone beacon of resistance. The young batsman showed why he is so highly rated, demonstrating a sound technique and positive intent against India's world-class attack. He was decisive in his footwork, played the spin with confidence—unfurling two excellent reverse sweeps for boundaries—and looked comfortable at the crease. Though he was eventually dismissed for 38, his composed innings was a small but significant positive for a team desperately searching for batting solidity.
A Foundation of Dominance
The swift victory on day three was built on the overwhelming dominance of India's first-innings batting performance. Having declared on their overnight score of 448 for 5, India's colossal lead of 286 was always going to be an insurmountable mountain for a struggling West Indian side. The centuries from KL Rahul and debutant Dhruv Jurel on day two had already broken the visitors' spirit, setting the stage for the bowlers to complete the formalities. The comprehensive win gives the new-look Indian team a powerful and morale-boosting start to their home season.
Key Match Highlights
Tags: Test Match
