When Yashasvi Jaiswal, opener for India smashed an unbeaten 173 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday, October 10, 2025, the entire crowd could feel the energy shift. India’s first‑day total of 318/2 in 90 overs put the visitors, West Indies, on the back foot and set the tone for what could become a landmark series win.
Historical backdrop – India vs West Indies in the Test arena
The 2025‑26 West Indies tour of India is the latest chapter in a rivalry that dates back more than 70 years. The last time the West Indies tasted Test victory on Indian soil was in 1994 at the old Feroz Shah Kotla ground – now the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Since 2010, India has won 12 of the 15 Tests played at this venue, a statistic that loomed large over the opening day. Both teams are locked into the 2023‑2025 ICC World Test Championship cycle, with India sitting atop the rankings and the Windies languishing at eighth.
Day 1 – Batting fireworks and disciplined bowling
The toss was won by India, who elected to bat under a clear sky. Opening partners Jaiswal and KL Rahul steadied the ship, reaching 29/0 after 12 overs. A crucial referral at 10.3 overs saw Rahul survive an LBW challenge, thanks to a third‑umpire check that upheld the on‑field decision.
Rahul, acting as wicket‑keeper‑batsman, eventually fell for 38 off 54 balls, caught behind by Tevin Imlach off the medium‑pace of Jomel Warrican. His dismissal triggered a brief lull, but Jaiswal, already on 82, accelerated with a series of powerful drives. The 50‑run partnership with Shubman Gill saw the score jump to 306/2 before the tea break.
Gill, who entered at 48 runs, contributed a solid 20* off 68 balls, playing a textbook cover drive that nudged the scoreboard past the 300‑run mark. At stumps, the scoreboard read 318/2, a run‑rate of 3.53, with Jaiswal unbeaten on 173* from 253 balls, peppered with 22 fours.
Bowling analysis – West Indies keep it tight
West Indies bowled with surprising economy across the board. Jomel Warricar claimed 2‑60 in 20 overs, three maidens, keeping the strike rate low at 3.00. Barbadian fast Anderson Phillip delivered 13 overs for 44 runs, also with two maidens. The spin duo of Jamaican off‑spinner Justin Greaves (8‑26) and Trinidadian left‑armer Khary Pierre (20‑74) managed to keep the run‑flow in check, while all‑rounder Roston Chase finished with 13‑55 at 4.23. The collective economy of 3.4 runs per over meant India had to grind, but the partnership’s endurance offset the pressure.
- Warrican – 2/60 (20 overs, 3 maidens, econ 3.00)
- Phillip – 0/44 (13 overs, 2 maidens, econ 3.38)
- Seales – 0/59 (16 overs, 1 maiden, econ 3.68)
- Greaves – 0/26 (8 overs, 1 maiden, econ 3.25)
- Pierre – 0/74 (20 overs, 1 maiden, econ 3.70)
- Chase – 0/55 (13 overs, econ 4.23)
Reactions from the pavilion and beyond
India’s skipper Rohit Sharma, who batted lower down, praised his opening pair: “Jaiswal has been in sublime touch; his temperament reminds me of the greats. Gill’s steady start gave us the platform to press forward.” Head coach Gautam Gambhir added, “The bowlers kept us honest. If we can maintain this discipline, a big total is within reach.”
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite admitted the bowlers “did everything right, but the partnership was just too solid”. The match officials – on‑field umpires Nitin Menon (India) and Richard Illingworth (England) – kept a tight leash on the referrals, each side retaining three reviews.
Impact on the series and the World Test Championship
With India already leading the ICC Test rankings, a dominant first‑innings total adds serious weight to their campaign for the 2025‑26 Championship title. Should they declare and enforce a follow‑on, the West Indies will need to dig deep – a scenario that could swing the series 2‑0 and bring home vital points. The second Test is part of a two‑match series; the first, played in Hyderabad, ended with a 280‑run Indian win, meaning the Windies are essentially on the brink of a whitewash.
Analysts point out that a 300+ opening stand in Delhi often translates into a win, referencing innings like the 352/2 India posted against England in 2021. If Jaiswal reaches a double‑century, it would be his second hundred‑plus score in a Test and the highest individual tally on Indian soil this season.
What’s next – Day 2 preview
Day 2 starts at 9:30 AM IST on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The pitch is expected to soften slightly, favoring the spinners as the game progresses. India will likely aim to extend the Jaiswal‑Gill partnership, perhaps targeting a declaration around 450‑500. West Indies, meanwhile, will lean on their pace attack – especially Seales and Phillip – before bringing in spin to exploit any turn.
Fans in the 41,000‑seat stadium can expect a day of tactical chess, with the potential for a landmark performance from Jaiswal and a stern test for the Windies’ bowlers. As the series continues, every run and wicket will echo in the points table, shaping the narrative of the current Test Championship cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jaiswal's 173 affect India's chances in the World Test Championship?
A 173 not out gives India a massive first‑innings lead, meaning the opposition will have to bowl long hours to catch up. In the points‑based Championship, a big total typically secures a win‑or‑draw bonus, pushing India closer to the top‑spot and widening the gap with rivals.
What challenges do the West Indies face on a deteriorating Delhi pitch?
As the pitch wears, it offers more turn and variable bounce, favoring Indian spinners like R. Chase and J. Greaves. The West Indies will need to bat cautiously, protect their wickets, and use their pace duo early before the surface becomes too tricky.
Who are the standout bowlers for West Indies in this match?
Fast bowler Jomel Warrican led the attack with two wickets at an economy of 3.00. Supporting him, Anderson Phillip and Jayden Seales kept the run‑rate under four, while spinners Greaves and Pierre added crucial control.
What historic results at Arun Jaitley Stadium could influence this game?
India has won 12 of the last 15 Tests at this ground since 2010, often posting large first‑innings totals. The last West Indies win here came in 1994, suggesting a psychological edge for the hosts that could affect both teams' confidence.
When does Day 2 start and what should fans expect?
Day 2 kicks off at 9:30 AM IST (04:00 UTC) on October 11, 2025. Fans can anticipate a continued partnership, possible declaration, and the first real test for West Indies batters against a spin‑friendly surface.
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