When KL Rahul, batsman and Shubman Gill, batsman steadied the innings on Day 2, the first Test of the West Indies Tour of India 2025 Test SeriesAhmedabad turned into a showcase of India’s next‑gen talent. The match, staged at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium on October 2‑6, 2025, wasn't just a cricketing event; it was a litmus test for a side playing without any of the usual marquee names – Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin or Rohit Sharma – for the first time since 2010.
Why This Test Matters Beyond the Scorecard
India’s India cricket team has been riding high after clinching the Asia Cup 2025 in September. The transition from a limited‑overs triumph back to the longest format often exposes depth, and this series offers an early indication of how well the younger contingent can uphold the home‑ground advantage. For the West Indies cricket team, the sub‑continental conditions are a stark contrast to the bounce‑friendly pitches they’re used to, making every session a learning curve.
Match Development: Day‑by‑Day Snapshot
Day 1 – 9:30 IST, Ahmedabad: The toss went to India, who elected to bat. Early wickets fell, but a steady partnership between Rahul (45) and Gill (38) set the platform. By stumps, India were 168/4.
Day 2 – Morning Session: Rahul and Gill marched on, reaching 218/3 after 67 overs. Their aggression gave India a 56‑run lead at lunch. The West Indies reply began with a cautious 15‑run opening stand before the first wicket fell at 23.
By the end of Day 2, the scoreboard read India 421/5, West Indies 97/1 – a picture of dominance that would shape the rest of the series.
How to Watch: Streaming & Broadcast Options
If you’re wondering where to catch every four‑hour innings, the answer is a mix of paid and free platforms. The flagship partner is Prime Video, which streams the match in HD with commentary in English, Hindi and several regional languages.
- Prime Video (subscription) – Full‑screen HD, multi‑language audio, and an option for data‑lite streaming.
- Star Sports 1 (cable) – Traditional TV broadcast for those who prefer a set‑top box.
- JioTV & Airtel Xstream (app) – Free for subscribers, includes picture‑in‑picture mode.
- YouTube channel “Sports Updates by Chandan” – Live audio‑only commentary, useful for low‑bandwidth connections.
- Regional sports channels such as Sun Sports (Tamil) and DD Sports (national) – Offer localized language commentary.
The match kicks off at 9:30 AM IST each day, which translates to 4:30 AM EST for East Coast U.S. viewers – an early‑morning commitment, but the streaming platforms keep the feed running 24/7 for replays.
Reactions from the Field and the Booth
Post‑lunch, India’s captain Rishabh Pant praised the top order, saying, “The boys showed maturity beyond their years. It’s a good sign for the future.” The West Indies skipper, Kemar Roach, admitted the bowlers were “still learning the spin‑friendly tracks, but we’ve got plans to adapt.”
Cricket analyst Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted the strategic shift, noting that “India’s decision to back the younger pair early in the series reflects a broader talent‑pipeline strategy by the BCCI.”
What Lies Ahead: Second Test and Beyond
The next encounter shifts to Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, scheduled for October 10‑14, 2025, with a 9:00 PM IST start each day. That venue, known for its evening sessions, will test the West Indies night‑time adaptability and give India a chance to further cement their lead.
Beyond the two‑match series, the outcomes will influence squad selections for the upcoming 2026 World Test Championship cycle. Performers like Rahul and Gill could lock down their spots, while a strong West Indian showing may prompt the International Cricket Council to consider more sub‑continental tours for them.
Background: How We Got Here
India’s home‑summer of 2025‑26 is packed with back‑to‑back formats: the Asia Cup in September, the West Indies Tests in October, and a limited‑overs series against England in November. Historically, India has rarely fielded a Test XI without at least one of the three senior stars mentioned earlier; the only comparable gap was in the 2010 series against Sri Lanka.
The West Indies, meanwhile, are on a rebuilding phase under head coach Daren Sammy. After a disappointing 2024 tour of England, the board has placed emphasis on spin and adapting to slower pitches – skills that will be crucial in Gujarat and Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch the match on a mobile device?
Both Prime Video and the JioTV/Airtel Xstream apps support Android and iOS. Install the app, sign in with your subscription, and select the live cricket tab. For lower‑bandwidth connections, toggle the ‘Data Saver’ mode to stream at 480p without missing commentary.
What time will the match start in the United Kingdom?
The 9:30 AM IST start translates to 5:00 AM GMT. The early slot means most UK fans will rely on the Prime Video replay feature or YouTube audio streams later in the day.
Who are the key debutants for India in this Test?
Alongside KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, the side fielded medium‑paceman Arshdeep Singh and left‑arm spinner Rashid Khan (the latter as a second‑innings specialist). Their performances will be closely watched by selectors.
What does this series mean for the West Indies’ World Test Championship points?
A win would earn the West Indies 6 points, a draw 2 points. Since they sit near the bottom of the table, a series victory could lift them several places, crucial for qualifying for the next WTC final.
Will there be any language options for non‑English viewers?
Yes. Prime Video offers commentary in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi and Bengali, while Star Sports provides regional FM‑simulcast audio. The YouTube channel also streams a Hindi commentary feed.
