India’s pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj produced a searing spell of fast bowling on Day 1 of the first Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, leaving the visitors reeling at 149 for 7 as the second innings progresses.

Carrying forward his red-hot form from The Oval, Siraj was virtually unplayable with the red cherry in hand. He struck twice in quick succession early on, setting the tone for a dominant display by the Indian bowling attack. His opening spell was nothing short of electric — the ball was doing everything, and Siraj quite literally had it on a string.

The standout moment of the session came when Siraj delivered an outrageous inswinger to dismiss Brandon King. The delivery jagged back in sharply at pace, completely deceiving the West Indies batter, who misjudged the line and chose to shoulder arms. The ball crashed into the stumps, leaving King stunned and Siraj ecstatic — a celebration that mirrored the magnitude of the dismissal.

Earlier, Siraj had already opened the account by removing Tagenarine Chanderpaul, drawing first blood in clinical fashion. By the time the second session began, he had added another to his tally, dismissing West Indies skipper Roston Chase with yet another pinpoint delivery.

By post-lunch, Siraj had four wickets to his name, spearheading a relentless Indian attack that had the West Indies tottering after electing to bat first. Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with wickets. Notably, Kuldeep — returning to the Test side — made an immediate impact, striking in just his second over.

This match also marks Shubman Gill’s second Test series as India’s captain, and significantly, his first on home soil. If the opening day’s play is anything to go by, the young skipper has a potent bowling unit at his disposal — and one that’s firing on all cylinders.

With the pitch offering movement and the bowlers in rhythm, India will look to press home the advantage and wrap up the West Indies innings quickly.