When Shubman Gill, India's Test captain led his side onto the field at Narendra Modi Stadium on October 2, 2025, the atmosphere felt more like a rite of passage than a routine series opener. The India vs West Indies 1st TestAhmedabad kicked off at 9:30 am IST, and within the first session India’s bowlers had already put West Indies on the back foot, skittling them for 90/5.
Pitch, Weather and Early Action
The pitch at the towering 132,000‑seat arena was intentionally green, a direct response to India’s struggles against New Zealand on sub‑continental surfaces last season. Groundstaff hoped the extra moisture would reward seamers without completely destroying any chance of a big batting total. The forecast on day one showed a balmy 28 °C with a gentle 9 km/h breeze – perfect for swing but with a whisper of light rain that could make the outfield slick.
Because of the lush cover, the ball was moving from the get‑go. Mohammed Siraj was the night‑watchman, ripping through the West Indian top order to claim three wickets in the opening spell. Both Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav added another wicket each, leaving the visitors wobbling at 90/5 after 23.2 overs.
Key Performers So Far
Siraj's three‑for‑30 spell was the headline, but the real story was how Gill’s DRS call turned the tide. A borderline LBW was reviewed, and the on‑field umpire’s decision was overturned – a move that sparked a quick wicket and underlined Gill’s growing tactical acumen.
On the batting side, India’s openers have been cautious, respecting the seam movement while keeping the run‑rate steady. The West Indies, on the other hand, have been unable to negotiate the swing, with only a handful of runs coming from the lower middle order.
How to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming Options
Fans across the globe have a menu of ways to catch the action. In India, the match is being televised live on Star Sports Network, the official rights holder for the series. Those who prefer on‑demand viewing can stream the game via Jio Hotstar on smartphones, laptops or smart TVs.
If you’re tuning in from the United States, Willow TV offers both a linear broadcast and an app‑based live stream. The service also provides highlight reels and expert analysis for viewers who can’t watch the full session.
- India (TV): Star Sports Network – Channel 1 (HD)
- India (Streaming): Jio Hotstar – free with Jio subscription, paid tier for non‑Jio users
- USA (TV): Willow TV – cable and satellite providers
- USA (Streaming): Willow TV app – iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV
All platforms have synchronized commentary, so whether you’re watching on a laptop in a cafe or on a 75‑inch screen at home, the experience feels alike.
What This Test Means for Indian Cricket
Beyond the scores, this match is symbolic. It’s the first Indian home Test since November 2010 that doesn’t feature the trio of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma or Ravichandran Ashwin. Their departures mark the end of an era that dominated Indian Test victories for more than a decade.
Gill’s appointment as captain earlier this year was already a bold move, but leading the side on home turf adds extra pressure. His calm demeanor during the DRS challenge and his willingness to rotate bowlers early suggest a shift toward a more data‑driven, flexible approach – a departure from the more instinctive style of his predecessors.
For the West Indies, the early collapse is a wake‑up call. Their squad, packed with raw talent but limited recent Test exposure, will need to adapt quickly if they hope to steal a win on Indian soil.
Looking Ahead: The Rest of the Summer Schedule
The five‑match series against the West Indies is just the opening act of India’s 2025‑26 home summer. After this Test, the board has penciled in a two‑match series against England, followed by a high‑stakes encounter with Australia that could determine the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Analysts predict that the green‑top pitch at Ahmedabad will become a template for future venues, encouraging teams to develop stronger seam attacks. If India can harness that advantage, the upcoming home season might become one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can viewers in India watch the match for free?
Jio Hotstar streams the game at no extra cost for subscribers of Jio’s mobile plans. Non‑Jio users can still watch via the free tier, though ad interruptions are more frequent.
What makes the pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium different this time?
Ground staff prepared a greener surface with extra moisture to reward seam bowling, a direct response to India’s vulnerability against fast bowlers in the previous season.
Who are the key bowlers for India in this Test?
Mohammed Siraj led the attack with three wickets, supported by Jasprit Bumrah and left‑arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, each chipping in with a wicket in the first session.
Will the early success of India’s bowlers likely affect the rest of the series?
Early dominance gives India a psychological edge and puts pressure on West Indies to adjust quickly; if the green pitch continues to aid seam, India could build on this advantage throughout the series.
What are the broadcasting options for fans outside the United States?
International viewers can typically access the match via regional sports networks that carry Star Sports content, or through online platforms that have partnered with the ICC for live streaming in their territories.
