In a standout performance during the first Test of a two-match series against the West Indies, Mohammed Siraj showed why he is one of India’s most reliable pacers in recent years. The Hyderabad fast bowler’s fiery spell with the new ball helped India dominate their opponents, even though he missed out on a maiden five-wicket haul at home. This match will certainly go down as one of his most memorable performances.
Siraj’s Career-Best Performance at Home
The 31-year-old Mohammed Siraj picked up where he had left off in August 2025, when he delivered a match-winning performance at The Oval in England. In the opening Test against the West Indies, Siraj was in top form, taking four wickets for 40 runs. His wickets included the top four batters of the West Indies side, with the first three coming in the opening session of the match. Siraj’s four-wicket haul was his best bowling performance in home conditions, surpassing his previous best of 4/84 against England in Rajkot in 2024.
Even though he was unable to secure a five-wicket haul on home soil—thanks to contributions from Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar—Siraj’s impact was undeniable. His figures of 4/40 were crucial in putting India in a dominant position, and his spell played a significant role in dismissing West Indies for just 162 runs in 44.1 overs.
West Indies Crumble Under Pressure
The West Indies were completely outplayed by India’s bowlers, failing to put up any substantial partnerships. Number seven batsman Justin Greaves top-scored for the visitors, scoring 32 runs off 48 balls, but that was not enough to prevent the team from crumbling. The West Indies were bowled out in just 44.1 overs, making this the second quickest time they have been dismissed in a Test innings in India.
Quickest All-Out for West Indies in India
- 41.2 overs – Chennai, 1988
- 44.1 overs – Ahmedabad, 2025
- 45.5 overs – Chennai, 1979
- 46.1 overs – Hyderabad, 2018
In the context of West Indies’ Test history in India, this was one of their most comprehensive collapses, and it highlighted the pressure exerted by India’s bowling attack. Siraj’s fiery spell, backed up by Bumrah’s pace and the spin attack, made it nearly impossible for the visitors to build any momentum. The West Indies will need to regroup quickly to avoid a similar fate in the second Test.
In conclusion, Mohammed Siraj’s exceptional bowling performance was a standout feature of India’s dominant show in Ahmedabad. With figures of 4/40, he cemented his reputation as one of India’s top fast bowlers, and though he fell short of a five-wicket haul, his contribution was key to India’s strong position in the Test series.
