Siraj Destroys West Indies Top Order as India Takes Command on Day 1

In a blistering display of pace bowling, India asserted total dominance over West Indies on the first day of the opening Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium, reducing the visitors to 39/3 after just 10 overs. Opting to bat first after captain Shubman Gill won the toss, West Indies found themselves in dire straits as Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah unleashed a relentless attack. Siraj, in particular, was on fire, claiming three crucial wickets in the opening hour, while Bumrah's precision accounted for one, setting the tone for what promises to be a commanding performance by the hosts.

The innings began disastrously for West Indies, with Siraj striking twice in quick succession to dismiss openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, both falling to edges that were snapped up in the slips. Bumrah joined the party soon after, removing Kirk McKenzie with a well-directed bouncer that induced a false shot, confirmed by a successful DRS review from Gill. This sharp decision-making highlighted Gill's growing acumen as captain, marking his second Test series at the helm and his first on home soil. At the crease now are Alick Athanaze and skipper Roston Chase, tasked with an uphill battle to steady the ship on a pitch offering early seam movement under clear skies.

Gill's strategic selections in the playing XI added an intriguing layer to India's approach, blending experience with youthful promise. The inclusion of all-rounder Nitish Reddy and chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav signaled a bold intent to adapt to varying conditions, with Reddy's batting depth and Kuldeep's wrist-spin potentially pivotal as the match progresses. The absence of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has thrust Gill into the spotlight, and his calm leadership was evident from the outset, as the team executed a flawless bowling plan that exploited the new ball's swing and bounce.

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As the session unfolded, the Narendra Modi Stadium crowd roared in approval, sensing a potential collapse that could hand India a massive advantage. West Indies' fragile top order has been a recurring issue in recent tours, and today's capitulation underscores the gulf in class between the sides. With the sun beating down and the pitch expected to ease later, India will aim to press home the advantage before lunch, targeting the middle order to bundle out the opposition for a sub-200 total. Bumrah and Siraj's synergy, reminiscent of India's golden pace era, has already tilted the scales decisively.

The stage is set for an enthralling contest, but India holds all the aces early doors. Fans tuning into the live scorecard can expect fireworks as the hosts look to build on this dream start, while West Indies desperately seek a partnership to salvage pride. In Gill's burgeoning captaincy era, this Test could well define India's transition phase, blending seam firepower with spin wizardry for a series-defining victory.

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