Kuldeep Yadav, India’s key left-arm wrist spinner, produced an exceptional delivery to get rid of West Indies’ top-order batter, Shai Hope, on Day 1 of the Ahmedabad Test. The ball came at a crucial time, as the West Indies were looking to stabilize their innings. After a few overs of pressure from India’s pace attack, Kuldeep came into the attack with his wrist spin looking to break the stubborn resistance. The delivery in question would prove to be a turning point, showcasing Kuldeep’s skill and guile on a pitch that was starting to offer some assistance to the spinners.

Kuldeep Yadav’s masterful delivery sends Shai Hope back on Day 1 of Ahmedabad Test

Kuldeep’s delivery to Hope was nothing short of a ‘jaffa. It was bowled with perfect flight, on a full length just outside the off-stump, teasing the batter with its flight. The ball was bowled at a decent pace, around 81 km/h, but what made it special was the subtle turn it generated. Hope, playing in a crucial position to guide his team out of trouble, decided to play the cover drive. However, with the ball drifting in sharply, Hope misjudged the line and the spin. His bat swing was somewhat semi-horizontal, attempting to force it through the covers, but his timing was slightly off.

As Hope committed to the shot, the ball, which had spun back in sharply, caught the outer half of his bat. Instead of flying to the desired cover fielder, it took the edge and headed straight for the stumps. The ball ricocheted off the outer edge of Hope’s bat, and the sharp turn sent it crashing into the off-stump. Kuldeep Yadav, ever the character, gave a loud roar and fist-pumped in celebration, fully aware of the significance of the wicket. It was a textbook example of how a wrist spinner can outthink a batter with subtle variations in flight and spin. Hope’s departure left the West Indies struggling at 90/5, and it was a moment of brilliance that put India in control.

Here’s the video:

Welcome back to Test cricket, @imkuldeep18! 💙

His first Test since October 2024 & Kuldeep cleans up Shai Hope just before Lunch! ☝

🍽 LUNCH | WI 90/5 (23.2)

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Also WATCH: IND vs WI : Mohammed Siraj pulls off Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siu’ celebration after cleaning up Brandon King on Day 1 of Ahmedabad Test

India’s dominance in Ahmedabad Test: Mohammed Siraj & Kuldeep Yadav shine as West Indies struggle

India’s bowlers have put their team in a commanding position on Day 1 of the first Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. With West Indies choosing to bat first, India’s seamers, led by Mohammed Siraj and supported by Kuldeep, ran through the top and middle order. The early breakthroughs, coupled with some disciplined spin bowling, kept the West Indies on the backfoot. Siraj’s remarkable four-wicket haul has been the highlight so far, while Kuldeep’s crafty spin got rid of Shai Hope. The West Indies, now 135/6, have a tough road ahead as they look to rebuild on Day 2.

Siraj’s stunning display with the ball was instrumental in breaking the West Indian resistance, as he picked up four crucial wickets. He cleaned up three of the top-order batters, including the likes of Brandon King, Alick Athanaze and Roston Chase. His persistent accuracy and ability to extract bounce from the pitch troubled the West Indies batter, reducing them to 105/6 by the 35th over. Meanwhile, Kuldeep’s precision with the ball was equally impressive. In his second over, he sent Hope back to the pavilion with a brilliantly flighted ball that spun sharply to knock out the off-stump, leaving Hope clueless. India’s spinners, particularly Kuldeep and Ravindra Jadeja, have been controlling the middle overs, while Jasprit Bumrah and Siraj’s opening spells set the tone early. The West Indies now face a steep challenge to post a competitive total.

Also WATCH: IND vs WI: Jasprit Bumrah outfoxes John Campbell with an absolute peach on Day 1 of the Ahmedabad Test