India’s spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, showcased their skills in the first ODI against the West Indies, leading their team to a dominant victory. The duo set a unique record by becoming the first pair of Indian left-arm spinners to claim seven or more wickets in an ODI.
Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, India bundled out the West Indies for a mere 114 runs in just 23 overs. Kuldeep scalped four wickets, conceding only six runs in his three overs, while Jadeja picked up three wickets, giving away 37 runs in his six overs. Their exceptional bowling performance proved too much for the hosts.
Chasing the target, India comfortably reached 115 runs in just 22.5 overs, losing five wickets in the process. While Kuldeep and Jadeja made history with their combined effort, it was Kuldeep who set an individual record as well. His figures of 4/6 are now the best by an Indian bowler on West Indies soil, surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal’s record of 4/17 in July 2022.
Reflecting on their outstanding performance, Kuldeep credited hitting the right lengths on the pitch for their success. He mentioned how they were expecting the pitch to favor seamers but were pleased with the purchase they got as spinners. The pitch offered spin and bounce, which worked in their favor.
Expressing the importance of healthy competition within the team, Kuldeep acknowledged the role of Chahal, a senior leg-spinner. He mentioned how Chahal provides valuable advice and insights, highlighting the camaraderie shared among the players.
India’s win over the West Indies marked their ninth consecutive triumph against the opponents in ODIs. The team will now aim to seal the three-match series when they face the West Indies in the second ODI in Barbados.
In summary, India’s spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, made history by becoming the first pair of Indian left-arm spinners to claim seven or more wickets in an ODI. Their exceptional bowling performance helped India restrict the West Indies to 114 runs. Kuldeep’s figures of 4/6 set a new record for an Indian bowler on West Indies soil. The victory also extended India’s winning streak against the West Indies in ODIs to nine matches. The team will look to continue their dominance in the second ODI.
