As India gets set to lock horns with the West Indies in Ahmedabad for their first Test of this new home season, it is difficult not to think of what transpired the last time there was a Test match at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Spoiler: it was not about just runs and wickets. It was about Virat Kohli regaining his flow, it was about Ashwin bowling long spells, and it was about Australia making India work for every inch. If you are a fan of the sport who loves the drama of long-form cricket, then this Test had everything you could wish for: centuries, comebacks, draws, and, of course, a particular King Kohli moment that fans still reminisce about.
Kohli’s Marathon Knock
For a time, the discussion concerning Virat Kohli’s Test form was louder than the sound of leather-on-willow. Every innings, there was a litany of questions: “When will Kohli get the big one again?” Well, Ahmedabad 2023 delivered the answer. His 186 wasn’t just a wicket on the scoreboard—it was a declaration. He batted with the serenity and composure of a monk, yet the flair of a man who still had something to offer.
It wasn’t the scoring that made the innings special; it was the context. India was effectively in the spin cycle after posting 480 in the first innings. The pressure was on, the wickets were tumbling, and the Aussies could smell blood. Kohli was at the crease, and in some ways, the sensational and irritating 128 scored by Shubman Gill turned the game from a serious thriller into a prolonged exercise.
Ashwin’s Tireless Spell and the Battle of the Spinners
While Kohli’s century was the shining star with the bat, R Ashwin’s work-horse burden with the ball is deserving of just as much accolade. Ashwin provided a staggering 47.2 overs for his six wickets, as the kind of effort you wonder if he runs on some extra-oomph battery pack. Every scalp came as the result of a grind, and watching him weave his variations was like watching a chess grand champion in tune—always thinking a couple moves ahead.
Why This Test Still Matters Today
You might be wondering: why bring back an old draw, when India has a new rival and a fresh WTC cycle to focus on? The reason is clear: these experiences inform our future views of cricketing encounters at venues like Ahmedabad. This wasn’t merely a Test match; it marked the conclusion of the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy that India won 2-1, and put away the trophy with absolute certainty.
Importantly, it also demonstrated the balance of modern Test cricket as Australia showed that they could survive in Indian conditions, and India showed resilience when put under pressure. For the viewers, it was a reminder of what was appealing about Test cricket, which can be very hard work, a battle of attrition, and those moments of magic, like Kohli lifting his bat after a long time waiting for a big hundred.
FAQs
- When was the last Test match played in Ahmedabad before IND vs WI 2025?
It was in March 2023 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
- Who was the standout performer for India in that Ahmedabad Test?
Virat Kohli stole the show with a brilliant 186-run knock.
- How did R Ashwin perform in that match?
Ashwin bowled 47.2 overs and picked up six wickets in the first innings.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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