Vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja delivered a commanding all-round performance that propelled India to a resounding innings and 140-run victory over the West Indies on day three of the opening Test.
Following his unbeaten century, Jadeja returned with the ball to dismantle the visitors, taking four pivotal wickets as the Caribbean side folded for 146 in just 45.1 overs at the Rajkot Cricket Stadium.
India’s emphatic win, achieved inside three days, gave them a 1–0 series lead and reaffirmed their dominance in home conditions.
Jadeja’s day of perfection
Jadeja’s impact was felt in every facet of the contest. Resuming the morning session with India declaring at 448 for 5, holding a mammoth 286-run advantage, the left-hander’s earlier unbeaten 104 had already set the tone for India’s supremacy. With the ball in hand, he became the destroyer-in-chief, claiming 4 for 35 in a mesmerizing spell that ripped through the West Indian middle order.
He first removed John Campbell (14), who had offered brief resistance, before trapping Brandon King (5). As the innings unraveled, Jadeja accounted for Shai Hope and debutant Johann Layne, ensuring there would be no recovery for the visitors.
Siraj and Kuldeep tighten the grip
India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj was equally incisive, striking early to dismiss Tagenarine Chanderpaul (8) and returning later to finish with three wickets. Kuldeep Yadav joined the demolition with two scalps, while Washington Sundar chipped in with the wicket of Alick Athanaze (38)—the only West Indian to show sustained resistance.
The collapse was swift and relentless: the West Indies lost five wickets for just 46 runs, a reflection of both India’s precision and their opponents’ inability to adapt. Justin Greaves (25) offered brief support, but the rest of the line-up capitulated under sustained pressure. Extras totaled a mere five, underscoring the control India maintained throughout the innings.
Tactical mastery and fielding brilliance
India’s domination extended to the field. The decision to declare overnight proved shrewd, allowing their bowlers to exploit the early morning conditions to perfection. Siraj’s initial breakthrough came courtesy of Nitish Reddy’s sharp catch at square leg, which set the tone for the day. Jadeja’s spin then wove its magic, supported by KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who both pulled off sharp catches to dismiss key batters.
As the West Indies’ resistance waned, Kuldeep Yadav wrapped up the innings with a clever combination of drift and control. Every Indian player seemed to contribute to the effort, from aggressive field placements to precise execution.
“The perfect game,” says Shubman Gill
Reflecting on the emphatic result, captain Shubman Gill lauded his side’s collective brilliance:
“It was the perfect game for us — three centuries, brilliant bowling, and outstanding fielding. The players showed intent and clarity from the first ball.”
With Jadeja’s all-round excellence leading the way, India’s clinical display reaffirmed their Test dominance.
Eyes on New Delhi
With momentum fully on their side, India will head into the second Test in New Delhi (October 10–14) brimming with confidence. The West Indies, meanwhile, face the daunting task of regrouping against a side firing in every department — and led by a man whose artistry with both bat and ball continues to define modern Indian cricket.
