If fast bowling is about rhythm, momentum, and the seamless blend of run-up, technique, skill, and impact, then Mohammed Siraj proved once more that he has not lost an ounce of it since his heroics in England. On Thursday, the opening day of the first Test between India and West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the 31-year-old picked up right from where he had left off at The Oval just two months earlier.

Siraj has often been at his best when spearheading the attack in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, but this time he showed he could shine even alongside his illustrious partner. In fact, he outbowled Bumrah for much of the day, producing a spell brimming with pace, aggression, and craft.

Siraj mixes skill and rhythm to dominate West Indies batters

He finished with four wickets, falling agonisingly short of another five-for, but his spell defined the day. His first breakthrough came early, hurrying Tagenarine Chanderpaul with a short ball that forced an edge behind. Brandon King was then castled by a fiery delivery that nipped back sharply, leaving the batter with no answers. Alick Athanaze edged to the slips soon after, before Roston Chase was undone by arguably the ball of the day – a wobble-seam delivery that straightened just enough to deceive him.

Siraj later explained the thinking behind his methods. “When my in-swing stopped, I automatically started getting an out-swing. Then I realised this is what they call wobble seam. If the away-swing is not working, the wobble seam will work more. Today, it was effective because there wasn’t much conventional swing,” he said.

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For connoisseurs of fast bowling, Siraj’s slight front-foot bend at landing has long been a point of debate, something biomechanics suggest could limit long-term effectiveness. Yet, his fierce run-up, wholehearted follow-through, and ever-expanding skill set more than compensate. With a mix of inswingers, outswingers, and his wobble seam, he now possesses the variety to keep batters guessing constantly.

Break, rhythm, and confidence drive Siraj’s dominant Day 1 display

He credited his confidence to the England series earlier this year, where he picked up 23 wickets and played a starring role in India’s famous Oval win. “To perform against a strong side gives a different kind of belief. You must have seen that confidence today,” he said.

The break since England had also helped. “I took three weeks off, then trained and played an India A match in Lucknow. It was very hot, but that match gave me good preparation before this series. After many years, I got such a long break, and I enjoyed it,” Siraj added.

The green-tinged Ahmedabad pitch, rarely seen in India, only heightened his enthusiasm. “I was very excited to bowl on this wicket. We don’t get these conditions often in India. The last time was against New Zealand in Bengaluru,” he remarked.

West Indies were bundled out for 162, with Siraj’s four wickets complemented by three from Bumrah, two from Kuldeep Yadav, and one from Washington Sundar. India replied confidently, reaching 121 for two by stumps.

On a day when Siraj found his rhythm effortlessly, the outcome seemed inevitable: India in firm control, and West Indies bracing for another tough outing.