NEW DELHI: India took firm control of the opening day of the first Test against West Indies on Thursday, thanks to a brilliant bowling display led by Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah followed by a composed half-century from KL Rahul. After bowling out the visitors for just 162, India finished the day at 121/2, trailing by 41 runs with eight wickets in hand.SIRAJ AND BUMRAH’S BOWLING MASTERCLASSThe day began with West Indies opting to bat first, but their decision quickly backfired as Siraj and Bumrah tore through the batting line-up. Siraj (4/40) was the pick of the bowlers, striking three times in a fiery first spell and adding another wicket after lunch. Bumrah (3/32) complemented him perfectly, using his pace and precision to dismantle the middle order.ALSO READ: How Gill and Gambhir have all but freezed template of India’s Test Playing XIThe Caribbean side never found momentum. Justin Greaves (32), Shai Hope (26), and Roston Chase (24) offered brief resistance, but none could build a substantial innings. Kuldeep Yadav (2/25) and Washington Sundar (1/9) chipped in with crucial wickets as West Indies were bundled out in just 44.1 overs.RAHUL STANDS FIRMIn response, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul gave the hosts a steady start. Jaiswal initially took a patient approach, scoring just 4 off his first 36 balls before unleashing a flurry of boundaries. He raced to 36 off 54 balls but fell trying to cut a ball too close to his body, edging behind off Jayden Seales.Sai Sudharsan’s stay was short-lived. After narrowly avoiding a run-out mix-up with Rahul, he misjudged a pull shot against Roston Chase and was trapped lbw for 7.Rahul, however, remained calm and composed throughout. Battling through some early movement with the new ball, he reached his 20th Test fifty, finishing the day unbeaten on 53 off 114 deliveries with six boundaries. Skipper Shubman Gill supported him with a cautious 18 not out as India maintained control.The West Indies bowlers showed glimpses of promise, especially Seales, who troubled the Indian top order with bounce and movement. But debutant Johann Layne struggled with his line and length, easing pressure on the batters.INDIA ON TOPWith just 41 runs separating them from West Indies’ total and eight wickets still in hand, India are well-placed to seize a significant first-innings lead on Day 2. If Rahul and Gill can extend their partnership and the middle order fires, the hosts will aim to bat West Indies out of the contest early in this two-Test series.
