Rahul, Gill Steady as India Ends Day 1 at 121/2 vs West Indies

When KL Rahul, senior batsman of Indian cricket team steadied the innings with a half‑century and Shubman Gill added a quick four, India closed Day 1 of the first Test against the West Indies at 121 for 2 wickets. The match unfolded on Thursday, 2 October 2025, under the bright lights of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, leaving the hosts 41 runs behind after the visitors were bundled out for 162.

Why this Test matters

The stakes go far beyond the scoreboard. This is the first home Test in over a decade that does not feature the usual stalwarts – Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. Their absence signals a generational shift and puts a spotlight on a new core of players tasked with maintaining India’s historic home dominance.

Day‑one breakdown

The West Indies opened the match with a disciplined spell from their pace attack, especially Jayden Seales, who, despite a solitary wicket, kept the run rate under control. Their total of 162 came largely thanks to a gritty 58 from Roston Chase and useful contributions down the order.

India’s reply began with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan. Jaiswal, who had survived a rain‑interrupted session, fell to a delivery from Sealse that caught the edge of his bat. Sudharsan was soon after dismissed by a low‑bouncing, good‑length ball from Chase that slipped under his bat. Those two wickets left the hosts at 57 for 2.

Rahul then settled in, brushing aside the new ball and reaching either 53* (per Hindustan Times) or 41* (per Indian Express) – the exact figure remains a point of media debate. He played an orthodox back‑foot drive and a timely pull, anchoring the innings. Gill, in his usual elegant style, added a quick four before the stumps, leaving the scoreboard at 121/2.

The selection puzzle

Beyond the on‑field action, the series has already ignited a selection debate. Coach Rahul Dravid has confirmed seven guaranteed starters: Gill, Jaiswal, Rahul, wicket‑keeper Dhruv Jurel, seamers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and all‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The remaining four spots are hotly contested.

One slot could see Prasidh Krishna slot in as a third seamer, but the team also needs batting depth. That’s where Nitish Reddy makes a case, offering a solid middle‑order presence. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav has been in striking form with his left‑arm wrist spin, and Axar Patel could fill the vacuum left by Ashwin’s omission.

The decision will hinge on pitch assessment for Day 2. If the surface continues to favour seam, the third seamer gains priority. Should the track start to break up, the spinners become vital – a scenario that often decides matches in Ahmedabad.

Expert take

Former England opener Alastair Cook, now a pundit for Sky Sports, observed, “India’s new‑look side has the talent but the experience gap shows. Rahul’s half‑century is the calm in the storm; Gill will need to accelerate on Day 2.”

Local analyst Anil Kumble added, “The omission of Ashwin is symbolic. It forces the team to rely on spin options that haven’t been tested at home in years. If Kuldeep can extract turn early, it could be a game‑changer.”

Looking ahead

Day 2 promises a marathon. India will aim to post a first‑innings total that not only erases the 41‑run deficit but also puts pressure on the West Indies bowlers, especially the fearsome Seales. The visitors, meanwhile, will look to exploit any lapses in the new batting order, perhaps promoting captain Shai Hope up the ladder to steady the ship.

Regardless of the outcome, this Test could become a benchmark for how India navigates a post‑Kohli, post‑Rohit era. The performances in the next two days will either cement the new group as a formidable unit or expose the growing pains of a side in transition.

Key facts

• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
• West Indies 1st innings: 162 all out.
• India 1st innings (Day 1): 121/2, Rahul 53* (or 41*), Gill 4*.
• Key wickets: Jaiswal (c Jayden Seales), Sudharsan (c Roston Chase).
• Remaining selection slots: third seamer vs. extra batsman; spin options under review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the absence of Ashwin, Kohli and Sharma significant?

Those three have been the backbone of India’s home dominance for the past 15 years. Their collective experience accounts for over 200 Test wins at home. Without them, the team must rely on newer players to fill both skill and leadership gaps, making the series a true test of depth.

What does the selection dilemma for the fourth spot entail?

Coach Dravid must choose between bolstering the pace attack with Prasidh Krishna or adding batting depth via Nitish Reddy. The decision hinges on pitch behavior; a seamer‑friendly strip favours Krishna, while a turning track would reward an extra batsman who can also bowl part‑time.

How did Jayden Seales perform despite only taking one wicket?

Seales kept the run rate low, building pressure that led to two early Indian wickets. His disciplined line and length forced the new batsmen into defensive strokes, which contributed more to India’s modest total than the raw wicket count suggests.

What are the chances India will take a first‑innings lead on Day 2?

If Rahul continues his steady build and the middle order—especially Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj—adds quick runs, a lead of 50‑70 runs is plausible. However, the West Indies pace unit, led by Seales, could swing momentum if they find extra bounce on the second day.

Which player could become the surprise star of the series?

All‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja has the knack for delivering with both bat and ball. If he contributes a crucial 50‑plus innings and picks up key wickets, he could eclipse the expectations set for the younger brigade.