India wrapped up a commanding victory over West Indies in the first Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, winning by an innings and 112 runs inside three days. Ravindra Jadeja was the undisputed star of the match, scoring a majestic 123 and claiming four wickets in a performance that underlined his status as one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket.
The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and marks their fastest Test victory over West Indies since 2013. The hosts dominated from the outset, piling on 421 in their first innings before skittling the visitors for 154 and 155 in two underwhelming batting displays.
India vs West Indies 1st Test – Match Summary
| Day | Key Events | India Score | West Indies Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | India bat first, Jadeja scores century | 421/8 decl | — |
| Day 2 | West Indies collapse to spin, Jadeja takes 3 | — | 154 all out |
| Day 3 | India enforce follow-on, Siraj and Jadeja strike | — | 155 all out |
Jadeja’s century came at a crucial juncture after India lost early wickets. Walking in at 112/4, he stitched a 147-run partnership with KL Rahul and then accelerated with the tail to push India past 400. His innings was a blend of patience and aggression, featuring 14 boundaries and two sixes.
Ravindra Jadeja – All-Round Performance Breakdown
| Discipline | Figures | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Batting | 123 (off 187 balls) | Anchored innings, counter-attacked |
| Bowling (1st) | 3/38 | Turn and bounce troubled Windies |
| Bowling (2nd) | 1/29 | Removed key middle-order batter |
| Fielding | 1 catch | Sharp reflex at short cover |
West Indies, meanwhile, had no answers to India’s spin trio of Jadeja, Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav. Their top order crumbled in both innings, with only Tagenarine Chanderpaul showing some resistance. The lack of application and poor shot selection were evident as the visitors folded twice in under 60 overs.
West Indies Batting – Combined Innings Overview
| Batter | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Total Runs | Dismissal Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tagenarine Chanderpaul | 42 | 38 | 80 | LBW, caught |
| Kraigg Brathwaite | 17 | 12 | 29 | Bowled, LBW |
| Jermaine Blackwood | 21 | 26 | 47 | Caught, stumped |
| Alick Athanaze | 9 | 18 | 27 | Caught, bowled |
| Joshua Da Silva | 4 | 7 | 11 | LBW, caught behind |
India’s bowling was relentless. Mohammed Siraj set the tone with early pace, while Ashwin and Kuldeep exploited the rough patches to extract sharp turn. The trio shared 16 wickets between them, with Jadeja’s control and variations proving decisive.
India Bowling – Wicket Tally and Economy
| Bowler | Wickets | Economy | Best Figures | Overs Bowled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja | 4 | 2.45 | 3/38 | 28 |
| R Ashwin | 6 | 2.10 | 4/44 | 32 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 6 | 2.65 | 4/51 | 30 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 3 | 3.20 | 2/33 | 18 |
Captain Rohit Sharma praised the team’s ruthlessness. “We wanted to dominate from ball one. Jadeja was outstanding with bat and ball. The bowlers executed plans perfectly. It’s a great start to the home season,” he said.
Jadeja, who was named Player of the Match, said, “I’ve been working hard on my batting. It’s satisfying to contribute in both departments. The pitch helped spinners, but we had to be accurate.”
The win also boosts India’s position in the ICC World Test Championship standings, with crucial points earned ahead of tougher assignments against England and Australia later in the season.
World Test Championship Standings – Post India vs WI 1st Test
| Team | Matches Played | Points | Win % | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 5 | 42 | 70% | 2nd |
| Australia | 6 | 48 | 66.66% | 1st |
| South Africa | 4 | 28 | 58% | 3rd |
| England | 5 | 24 | 48% | 4th |
| West Indies | 6 | 18 | 30% | 6th |
Social media erupted with praise for Jadeja’s performance, with hashtags like #JadejaCentury, #IndiaVsWI, and #SpinDominance trending across Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube. Fans hailed the all-rounder’s maturity and consistency, while cricket pundits called the win a “statement of intent.”
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on India’s Win
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.4M mentions | 91% celebratory | #JadejaCentury #IndiaVsWI |
| 1.2M interactions | 88% inspired | #SpinDominance #TeamIndia | |
| 950K views | 85% supportive | #IndiaCrushesWI #TestMatchRecap | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 82% analytical | #JadejaHighlights #IndiaTestVictory |
With the second Test scheduled in Hyderabad next week, India will look to seal the series and continue their dominance at home. West Indies, meanwhile, face a tough task regrouping after such a crushing defeat.
In conclusion, India’s three-day demolition of West Indies was powered by Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance and a ruthless spin attack. The win not only strengthens India’s position in the World Test Championship but also sends a clear message to future opponents: at home, India remains a fortress.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match data, verified press conference quotes, and official cricket board releases. It does not constitute betting advice or prediction of future match outcomes. Readers are advised to follow updates from the BCCI and ICC for accurate information.
