After dismissing the visitors inside 44.1 overs, India’s chase began positively as Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal (36) added 68 runs for the opening stand. Jaiswal’s dismissal was followed by a brief setback when Sai Sudharsan departed cheaply for 7, but Rahul (53 not out*) and skipper Shubman Gill (18 not out)* ensured there were no further hiccups before stumps.
Earlier, West Indies’ decision to bat first backfired spectacularly as their top order crumbled under sustained pressure from the Indian bowlers, losing five wickets before lunch. Contributions from Justin Greaves (32), Roston Chase (24), and Shai Hope (26) provided some resistance, but none could convert their starts into substantial scores.
The Indian pace attack was relentless, with Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah sharing seven wickets to dismantle the Caribbean batting lineup. Their efforts ensured a modest target for the batters and put India firmly in control by the end of the day.
With Rahul looking composed and Gill settling in, India will aim to capitalise on the platform and push for a significant first-innings lead when play resumes on Day 2.
