When Shubman Gill, captain of India national cricket team stepped onto the field at Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, October 2, 2025, the whole nation felt a mix of excitement and nerves. The India vs West Indies 1st TestNarendra Modi Stadium wasn’t just another fixture; it marked the first Indian home Test without veterans Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma or Ravichandran Ashwin since November 2010. Why does that matter? Those three have been the backbone of India’s dominance at home, so their absence signalled a generational shift and a chance for fresh talent to shine.
Why This Test Is Different
India’s summer of 2025‑26 kicks off with a two‑match series that runs until Monday, October 6. The board has deliberately built a squad around younger heads, most notably Jasprit Bumrah, who returned after a carefully managed England tour, and Ravindra Jadeja, who now wears the vice‑captain badge after Rishabh Pant fell victim to a hamstring injury. Ajit Agarkar, chairman of selectors, put it plainly: "We have had a fair break, and Bumrah is ready and keen to play both matches."
That quote summed up the board’s narrative – a blend of rest, readiness and a dash of confidence that the new‑look attack can handle the fast, green‑topped pitch prepared especially after India’s surprise loss to New Zealand on a seamer‑friendly surface the previous year.
Day 1: Bowling Fireworks and a Tight Chase
The morning toss at 9:00 AM IST went to India, and the bowlers wasted no time. Mohammed Siraj ripped through West Indies’ top order, claiming three wickets inside the first hour. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav each added one, leaving the visitors collapsed for 162, 90/5 at one point.
Gill’s razor‑sharp Decision Review System (DRS) appeal turned the tide when he successfully challenged a leg‑before‑catch call, dashing West Indies’ hopes of a partnership. By stumps, India were 121/2, still trailing by 41 runs, with KL Rahul and Gill at the crease.
Two Indian dismissals added drama: Yashasvi Jaiswal fell after a brief rain‑affected pause to a delivery from Jayden Seales, while Sai Sudharsan was outsmithed by Roston Chase’s low‑bouncing length. Even though Seales took only one wicket, many pundits tipped him as the pick of the West Indian bowlers on day 1.
How to Watch the Action Live
If you’re sipping morning coffee in New York, the match streams at 12:00 AM ET on Willow TV via Sling TV. Across the pond, British fans can catch it at 5:00 AM BST on TNT Sports. Down under, Aussies have a free‑trial window on Kayo Sports, while Indian viewers stick with the familiar Star Sports Network on TV and Jio Hotstar for mobile or smart‑TV streaming.
All these platforms push the same high‑definition feed, but the commentary slant varies. Willow TV leans on former England cricketer Matt Prior, while TNT Sports brings former West Indian stalwart Brian Lara into the mix. The diversity of voices gives fans worldwide a richer perspective on the shifting balance of power between the two sides.
Pitch Talk: Green, Fast or Balanced?
Early reports described the surface as “green‑top” – a deliberate move to reward seamers after India’s past struggles against New Zealand’s swing attack. The grass retained moisture longer than usual, meaning the ball nipped off the seam with extra movement. That’s exactly why Siraj and Bumrah found such early success.
However, experts like former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan warned that as the five days wear on, the pitch could flatten, turning into a batting paradise. If that happens, the onus will shift to the Indian top order – and that’s where Gill’s calm captaincy will be tested. Will the young batters like Jaiswal and Sudharsan step up, or will seasoned hands like Rahul rescue the innings?
What This Means for Indian Cricket’s Future
The series arrives on the heels of India’s triumph in the 2025 Asia Cup, a trophy that reinforced the team’s limited‑overs credentials. Yet the Test arena tells a different story. Without Kohli’s intensity, Sharma’s aggression, or Ashwin’s spin wizardry, the side looks like a work‑in‑progress. Still, the board’s gamble on youth could pay off: a confident Gill, a rested Bumrah, and a versatile Jadeja might become the core for the next decade.
From a broader perspective, the test also signals how Indian cricket is adapting to newer formats and scheduling pressures. The rapid rollout of streaming platforms like Jio Hotstar shows that fans now expect multi‑device access, and broadcasters are scrambling to keep up with the global time zones – the match starts at 9:30 AM IST, but it’s already 5:00 AM BST for UK viewers.
Looking Ahead: Day 2 and Beyond
Day 2 promises to be a chase‑or‑batting showdown. If India can close the 41‑run gap before the tea break, the momentum will swing sharply in their favour. Conversely, a West Indies revival – perhaps led by the youngest paceman, Alzarri Joseph, if he gets a spell – could redraw the contest.
The second Test, slated for October 5‑6, will either cement a series win or force India into a nail‑biting finale. One thing’s clear: the players on the field today are writing a new chapter, and fans worldwide are glued to every ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can U.S. viewers watch the India vs West Indies Test?
U.S. fans can stream the match live on Willow TV via a Sling TV subscription. The broadcast starts at 12:00 AM ET on October 2 and runs through the five‑day series. A free trial is often available for new subscribers.
Why is the absence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin significant?
Those three players have been the cornerstone of India’s home Test dominance for over a decade. Their combined experience accounts for more than 30% of India’s Test wickets and runs at home. Their absence forces the team to rely on younger talent, testing the depth of the current squad.
What does the green‑top pitch mean for the bowlers?
A greener surface offers extra seam movement and bounce, favouring fast bowlers like Siraj and Bumrah. It also makes the ball swing more in the early sessions, which is why India grabbed three wickets in the first hour.
Who are the key players to watch in this series?
On the Indian side, captain Shubman Gill, pacer Jasprit Bumrah, and all‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja are pivotal. For West Indies, fast bowler Jayden Seales and middle‑order batsman Roston Chase could turn the tide with crucial breakthroughs.
When is the second Test scheduled, and how might the series outcome be decided?
The second Test kicks off on October 5 and runs through October 6. If India clinches the first match, they’ll need at least a draw in the second to secure a series win. Conversely, a West Indies victory in Ahmedabad would level the series, making the final Test a decider.