India began their home Test season in emphatic fashion, securing a commanding win by an innings and 140 runs over the West Indies in Ahmedabad. The victory, achieved on Day 3, gives India a valuable boost in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings and highlights their continued dominance at home.
Jadeja Shines with Bat and Ball
Ravindra Jadeja delivered an all-round masterclass, scoring a composed 104* and taking four crucial wickets in the second innings. This match marked Jadeja’s 50th home Test, and his first without long-time spin partner Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired in December 2024. Jadeja reflected on the new team combination, praising Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar for stepping up in Ashwin’s absence.
India’s Batting Firepower
India, batting after dismissing the West Indies for 162 in their first innings, posted a mammoth 448 runs before declaring. Centuries from opener KL Rahul (100) and wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel (125) laid the foundation, while Jadeja’s unbeaten century added depth and authority to the total.
Mohammed Siraj’s four-wicket haul in the first innings and three wickets in the second complemented Jadeja’s performance, ensuring West Indies could not mount a comeback.
West Indies Struggle to Respond
The visitors offered sporadic resistance, with Alick Athanaze (38) and Justin Greaves (25) providing brief resistance. However, India’s disciplined bowling attack never allowed them to gain a foothold, bundling them out for 146 in the second innings.
Implications for World Test Championship
This win lifts India in the WTC points table, as they now hold a 55.56% points percentage after six matches in the 2025/27 cycle. While Australia and Sri Lanka continue to occupy the top spots, India’s strong performance underscores their position as serious contenders in the ongoing championship.
Looking Ahead
India and West Indies will face off once more in Delhi for the series decider starting October 10. With home conditions favoring India’s spin attack, the hosts will aim to complete a 2-0 series sweep and continue building momentum in the WTC.