India vs West Indies 1st Test 2025 Highlights: Gill’s Stunning Captaincy Debut and Bumrah’s Explosive Start

Introduction: A Historic Clash in Ahmedabad

The India vs West Indies 1st Test 2025 Highlights at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has already grabbed headlines for more reasons than one. Not only is this the first time Shubman Gill captains India at home, but it also comes at a crucial stage of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, where India need victories to secure a top position. For the West Indies, it is about proving resilience despite coming into the series with a depleted squad.

This article brings you the complete India vs West Indies 1st Test 2025 highlights, including key performances, pitch analysis, player battles, and the broader implications for both teams. (India vs West Indies 1st Test 2025 Highlights)

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Background: Setting the Stage for the Test Battle

• India’s Build-up: The home team entered the series after a confident showing in their previous WTC matches. With Rishabh Pant ruled out due to injury, the selectors handed wicketkeeping duties to Dhruv Jurel. Veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been appointed vice-captain.
• West Indies’ Woes: The Caribbean side suffered a setback when their premier pacer Alzarri Joseph was ruled out with a recurring back injury. To balance the squad, they recalled Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze, both expected to bring stability against India’s spinners.

This Test not only highlights cricketing skill but also symbolizes a transition phase for both teams, with Gill and Roston Chase leading young sides. (India vs West Indies 1st Test 2025 Highlights)

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Toss and First Innings Drama

On the morning of October 2, 2025, West Indies skipper Roston Chase won the toss and opted to bat first. The decision was influenced by a slightly green surface but with a flat red-soil base that usually flattens out as the game progresses.

Key Moments from the First Session

• Bumrah’s Early Magic: Jasprit Bumrah, opening the attack, immediately found seam movement. His sharp deliveries troubled the openers, earning him the first breakthrough in the 5th over.
• Siraj’s Pressure: Mohammed Siraj backed him up brilliantly, beating the bat repeatedly and forcing the West Indies batsmen into defensive shells.
• Chanderpaul’s Resistance: Tagenarine Chanderpaul showed composure, leaving balls outside off and grinding out precious runs, echoing shades of his father Shivnarine’s grit.

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India’s Strategy: Spin in Focus

India went into the match with three spinners (Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar) and two pacers, betting heavily on the pitch to aid spin as the game progressed.

• Why This Combination? The red soil at Ahmedabad is known to break down and assist spinners by Day 3 and beyond.
• The Jadeja Factor: As vice-captain, Jadeja was central to Gill’s strategy. His dual ability to contain runs and break partnerships makes him India’s key weapon.

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West Indies’ Challenge: Batting Against Spin & Seams

West Indies entered the Test with questions over their batting lineup. Without Joseph’s pace, they leaned on their batters to post a competitive first-innings total.

Early Struggles Highlighted

• Defensive mindset against the new ball slowed their scoring.
• Middle-order nerves were evident, especially against Siraj’s short-pitched deliveries.
• The plan to counter spin will be tested heavily once Kuldeep and Sundar come into the attack.

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Expert Opinions on the Match Dynamics

Former Indian Skipper Rahul Dravid (quoted in media previews):

“Gill has the temperament to lead India, and this series is his chance to prove leadership under pressure. With a young squad, it’s about maintaining intensity.”

Caribbean Cricket Analyst Michael Holding (pre-match analysis):

“The absence of Joseph is a massive blow. West Indies must bat long and put scoreboard pressure, or India’s spinners will feast.” (India vs West Indies 1st Test 2025 Highlights)

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Wider Impact: WTC and Beyond

• For India: Winning convincingly will boost their WTC 2025–27 cycle points and strengthen Gill’s leadership credentials.
• For West Indies: Even a draw would be morale-boosting, showing they can stand up to India’s dominance at home.

This series also highlights the shifting balance in Test cricket, where younger captains like Gill and Chase are tasked with leading transitional squads into a demanding future. (India vs West Indies 1st Test 2025 Highlights)

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Future Outlook

The remainder of this match will test West Indies’ batting depth and India’s ability to close out games with spin dominance. If rain interruptions play a role, the contest could become tighter, adding to the drama of the India vs West Indies 1st Test 2025 highlights story. (India vs West Indies 1st Test 2025 Highlights)