As the first Test between India and the West Indies approaches, attention has turned to the surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Reports suggest the pitch will start hard and flat, with bounce and carry to help fast bowlers in the opening exchanges. Yet, as the days progress, the surface will likely lose pace and provide turn, allowing spinners to dominate in the latter stages.

This balance of early pace and late spin makes batting first the safer option, since teams often struggle against spin on deteriorating pitches in the fourth innings. However, the weather forecast adds uncertainty, with showers predicted on the opening day. A damp start could assist seamers even more, which may complicate the toss decision for both captains.

The Narendra Modi Stadium has a history of varied results in Test cricket. Out of 15 matches played here, four have been won by teams batting first, four by sides chasing, and seven have ended in draws. The averages tell their own story: teams batting first have usually posted scores around 347, while second innings totals are slightly higher at 353.

Once the surface deteriorates, though, batting becomes much harder, with the third innings average falling to 232 and the fourth innings plummeting to 147. These figures show why sides prefer to bat first here, since chasing in the fourth innings often ends in defeat.

Records and the Upcoming Test

Several notable records at this venue add to its significance. Rahul Dravid holds the highest batting average at the ground, with 59.30 from his time in Tests here. In terms of bowlers, Anil Kumble produced the best average with 26.77 across multiple matches, while Axar Patel stands out among the current squad with stunning figures of 11 for 70, achieved during England’s 2021 tour. These milestones show how the ground can favour both batting and bowling, depending on the conditions and match situation.

In the Test beginning on October 2nd, India enter as clear favourites. Their squad is stacked with both quality batters and world-class spinners, which suits the likely trajectory of this surface. The West Indies, meanwhile, will need to start strongly with the new ball to dent India early; otherwise, their lack of proven spin resources could leave them vulnerable. In many ways, the match depends on how effectively both sides adapt to the shifting conditions across five days in Ahmedabad.

Narendra Modi Stadium Test Statistics

Indian Squad - Best Performers at Narendra Modi Stadium