India vs West Indies: A Rivalry Steeped in History and the Tests Ahead
India and the West Indies have woven a fascinating cricketing saga that stretches across generations. Rooted in rivalry, marked by talent, and defined by shifts in power, their journey continues with two Test matches scheduled in October 2025. Let us explore the deep past, solid present, and shaping future of this compelling contest.
A Storied Past: How the Rivalry Began
The earliest clash between India and West Indies dates back to the late 1940s, when pace firepower overwhelmed India’s fledgling side. As the years went by, India grew tougher, and when the 1970-71 tour rolled around, Sunil Gavaskar was coming into his own. That’s when India finally celebrated their first-ever Test series win in the West Indies.
Perhaps no moment crystallized the shifting balance like the 1983 World Cup final at Lord’s on 25 June 1983, when India stunned the two-time defending champions, West Indies, to lift their first Cricket World trophy. That match marked a turning point in the cricket narrative for India.
Records and Form: How Do They Stack Up?
Across exactly 100 Test clashes between these nations, the West Indies hold a lead with 30 victories, while India has claimed 23, leaving 47 draws over the decades.
In limited-overs cricket, the balance has been tighter. In ODIs, India won 72 out of 142 matches against West Indies, compared to WI’s 64, with occasional ties and no results. In T20Is, India lead 19-10 with one no-result out of 30 fixtures.
These numbers underline both the historic edge that the West Indies once held and India’s steady rise over the last two decades.
The Latest Chapter: India’s 2023 Tour
What’s Coming Up: The October 2025 Test Series
Official schedules confirm that the India vs West Indies Test series begins on October 2, 2025. Kicking off India’s home season as part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship.
- 1st Test: October 2-6 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- 2nd Test: From October 10-14, the 2nd Test will be held at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi instead of Kolkata as originally planned.
The relocation reflects the BCCI’s strategic shuffle of venues to streamline logistics and address operational concerns across tours involving both West Indies and South Africa.
Why This Series Matters
- WTC Stakes: AS part of the World Test Championship, every session contributes toward long-term standings. India aims for a strong home start; the West Indies seek to upset expectations with an away breakthrough.
- Venue Strategy: The shift from Kolkata to Delhi for the second Test highlights adaptation to environmental and logistical imperatives as India begins its season.
- Continuity and transition: This series comes at a point where both sides bridge history and modern transition—India with newer leadership and West Indies with emerging pace and flair.
Read more: Best XI: How to Form the Best Fantasy Team
What Fans Should Watch
- Spin vs Pace: India pitches in Ahmedabad and New Delhi reward spin and technique. West Indies’ pace battery will test those strengths.
- Player Storylines: Emerging names like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant (India), and Nicholas Pooran or Romario Shepherd (West Indies) headline this chapter.
- Momentum and Strategy: With only two Tests, focus sharpens on each match’s implications for WTC rankings, confidence building, and direction in squad composition.
Conclusion
FAQ’s?
The 1st Test is scheduled for October 2-6 in Ahmedabad; the 2nd Test runs from October 10-14 in New Delhi (venue originally Kolkata).
Yes, these two Test matches count towards the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and will impact the points and world rankings.
West Indies lead with 30 wins, India has won 23, and 47 matches ended in draws out of 100 Tests.
There is no confirmed ODI or T20I series between the nations in mid-2025. West Indies have other home commitments, but not against India.
In June 2025, the BCCI reshuffled the schedule to better manage coordination and prepare the venues, which led to moving the second Test to Delhi.