Vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja delivered a commanding all-round efficiency that propelled India to a convincing innings and 140-run victory over the West Indies on day three of the opening Check.
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Following his unbeaten century, Jadeja returned with the ball to dismantle the guests, taking 4 pivotal wickets because the Caribbean facet folded for 146 in simply 45.1 overs on the Rajkot Cricket Stadium.
India’s emphatic win, achieved inside three days, gave them a 1–0 sequence lead and reaffirmed their dominance in dwelling situations.
Jadeja’s day of perfection
Jadeja’s affect was felt in each aspect of the competition. Resuming the morning session with India declaring at 448 for five, holding a mammoth 286-run benefit, the left-hander’s earlier unbeaten 104 had already set the tone for India’s supremacy. With the ball in hand, he turned the destroyer-in-chief, claiming 4 for 35 in a mesmerizing spell that ripped by way of the West Indian center order.
He first eliminated John Campbell (14), who had provided temporary resistance, earlier than trapping Brandon King (5). Because the innings unraveled, Jadeja accounted for Shai Hope and debutant Johann Layne, making certain there could be no restoration for the guests.
Siraj and Kuldeep tighten the grip
India’s tempo spearhead Mohammed Siraj was equally incisive, hanging early to dismiss Tagenarine Chanderpaul (8) and returning later to complete with three wickets. Kuldeep Yadav joined the demolition with two scalps, whereas Washington Sundar chipped in with the wicket of Alick Athanaze (38)—the one West Indian to point out sustained resistance.
The collapse was swift and relentless: the West Indies misplaced 5 wickets for simply 46 runs, a mirrored image of each India’s precision and their opponents’ incapacity to adapt. Justin Greaves (25) provided temporary help, however the remainder of the line-up capitulated beneath sustained strain. Extras totaled a mere 5, underscoring the management India maintained all through the innings.
Tactical mastery and fielding brilliance
India’s domination prolonged to the sphere. The choice to declare in a single day proved shrewd, permitting their bowlers to use the early morning situations to perfection. Siraj’s preliminary breakthrough got here courtesy of Nitish Reddy’s sharp catch at sq. leg, which set the tone for the day. Jadeja’s spin then wove its magic, supported by KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who each pulled off sharp catches to dismiss key batters.
Because the West Indies’ resistance waned, Kuldeep Yadav wrapped up the innings with a intelligent mixture of drift and management. Each Indian participant appeared to contribute to the hassle, from aggressive subject placements to express execution.
“The right recreation,” says Shubman Gill
Reflecting on the emphatic consequence, captain Shubman Gill lauded his facet’s collective brilliance:
“It was the right recreation for us — three centuries, sensible bowling, and excellent fielding. The gamers confirmed intent and readability from the primary ball.”
With Jadeja’s all-round excellence main the way in which, India’s scientific show reaffirmed their Check dominance.
Eyes on New Delhi
With momentum absolutely on their facet, India will head into the second Check in New Delhi (October 10–14) brimming with confidence. The West Indies, in the meantime, face the daunting process of regrouping towards a facet firing in each division — and led by a person whose artistry with each bat and ball continues to outline fashionable Indian cricket.
