India Dominates West Indies 2-0 in October 2025 Test Series, Extends Home Dominance in WTC
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Nov, 21 2025
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India crushed the West Indies 2-0 in a two-Test series played between October 2 and 14, 2025, extending their stranglehold over the Caribbean side in Test cricket. The first match at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad ended in an innings and 140-run victory, while the second at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi concluded with a 7-wicket win. The series, part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship, awarded India 12 points and left the West Indies with zero — a brutal reminder of the gulf in performance between the two sides. What made it more striking? The West Indies actually improved in the second Test, posting 390 in their second innings — their highest total against India in over a decade — yet still lost. That’s how complete India’s control was.
India’s Batting Depth Shattered West Indies’ Resolve
India’s batting didn’t just score runs — it broke spirits. In Ahmedabad, they posted 448/5 declared, then watched as the West Indies collapsed for 162 and 146. In Delhi, they replied to West Indies’ 248 with a massive 518/5 declared, anchored by Shubman Gill’s composed 132. Then, chasing a modest 124, India reached it in under 36 overs, losing only three wickets. The difference wasn’t just talent; it was temperament. While West Indies’ batters looked tentative, India’s top order moved with quiet authority. Ravindra Jadeja was the standout, amassing 104 runs across the series and taking key wickets. His all-round presence was the quiet engine of India’s dominance.
Debuts, Milestones, and Records Set Amidst the Rout
Even in defeat, the West Indies had moments. Johann Layne and Khary Pierre made their Test debuts in Ahmedabad — a rite of passage under immense pressure. John Campbell reached 1,000 Test runs, a quiet milestone amid the chaos. For India, it was a celebration of emerging stars. Dhruv Jurel scored his maiden Test century in Delhi, proving his place in the middle order. And then there was Jasprit Bumrah. He equalled Javagal Srinath’s record, becoming the fastest Indian bowler to 50 home Test wickets — in just 24 innings. That’s faster than Ishant Sharma, faster than Zaheer Khan. Bumrah didn’t just take wickets; he rewrote history.
Why the Venue Change Mattered More Than Expected
It wasn’t just the results that surprised — it was the logistics. In June 2025, the BCCI moved the second Test from Kolkata’s Eden Gardens to Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. That decision, made nearly four months before the match, forced both teams to adjust training schedules, travel plans, and even pitch preparation strategies. West Indies had prepared for Kolkata’s slower, turning track. Delhi’s pitch, though still helpful to spin, offered more pace and bounce. India’s fast bowlers capitalized. The West Indies’ middle order, used to playing on flat tracks in the Caribbean, struggled to adapt. The change didn’t just alter the game — it tilted the series.
West Indies’ Silver Lining and the Road Ahead
Let’s be clear: the West Indies didn’t fold. Their 390-run second innings in Delhi was their best performance against India since 2018. Roston Chase, their captain, led with grit, scoring 89 in the first innings and holding the middle together. But the gap in depth is still enormous. India had six batters score 50+ across the series. West Indies had one. Their bowling attack, led by veteran Kemar Roach (who returns for the New Zealand series), lacks the consistency to challenge top teams. Still, the fact they didn’t collapse like in 2023 — when India won by an innings and 141 in Dominica — shows progress. That’s something.
What’s Next? A Crucial Test for West Indies’ Rebuild
Immediately after the India series, the West Indies flew to Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20Is from October 18-31, 2025. But the real test begins in December. Their three-Test series against New Zealand — starting December 2 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch — will be their first real opportunity to prove they’re not just a T20 team. With Jomel Warrican named vice-captain and injuries sidelining Alzarri and Shamar Joseph, the pressure is on Chase and Roach to lead a new generation. New Zealand, fresh off a strong home season, will be hungry. For the West Indies, this isn’t just about results. It’s about identity.
Historical Context: From Underdogs to Superpowers
It’s easy to forget that the West Indies once ruled Test cricket. Their 1976 series win over India — the first time they beat them in a series — was a turning point. India, then a fledgling Test side, lost 1-0. Fast forward to 2025, and India has won six of the last seven Tests against them. The last time West Indies won a Test against India? June 2018, in Kingston. Since then? India has won six, drawn one. The balance of power has shifted completely. This isn’t a fluke. It’s the result of India’s systematic investment in Test cricket — from domestic structure to spin coaching to mental conditioning. The West Indies, by contrast, still rely on individual brilliance rather than institutional strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did India’s home advantage impact the series outcome?
India’s home advantage was decisive. All matches were played on pitches tailored for spin and seam, favoring India’s world-class spinners like Jadeja and Axar Patel. The West Indies, who had trained on flat Caribbean tracks, struggled to adapt. India’s batters also benefited from familiar conditions, with no jet lag or time zone disruption. The venue switch from Kolkata to Delhi further disrupted West Indies’ preparation, giving India an unexpected edge.
Why didn’t West Indies’ improved second innings in Delhi change the result?
Because they still lost the first innings by 270 runs. Even with a fighting 390 in Delhi, West Indies’ total of 638 across both innings was 118 runs short of India’s 756. India’s first-innings dominance gave them control of the game’s tempo. In Test cricket, especially against top teams, you can’t afford to be 250 behind after the first innings — even if you score 400 later.
Who are the key players India should watch in their next Test series against New Zealand?
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and Devon Conway are the main threats, but the real danger lies in their pace attack — Trent Boult and Neil Wagner. India will need to counter with their spin trio: Jadeja, Ashwin, and Axar. Bumrah’s return from injury will be critical, as New Zealand’s batting thrives on pace and bounce — conditions that suit him perfectly. India’s ability to rotate spinners and manage pitch conditions will determine their success.
What does this series mean for the World Test Championship standings?
The 12 points from this series pushed India into the top three of the WTC table, keeping them on track for a final berth in 2027. West Indies, now with just 2 points from their last three series, are at risk of missing the next cycle entirely. With only 12 points available per series, and West Indies facing tough away tours to New Zealand and Australia, they need to win at least one Test to stay relevant — something they haven’t done against a top-8 team since 2021.
Why was the Delhi venue change significant beyond logistics?
The switch from Kolkata to Delhi signaled a shift in BCCI’s strategy — prioritizing centralized, high-capacity venues over traditional ones. Delhi’s pitch, with its quicker bounce, exposed West Indies’ lack of technical adaptability. It also allowed for better broadcast logistics and crowd turnout. The move reflected India’s growing emphasis on maximizing revenue and global visibility, not just winning matches.
Is this the end of West Indies’ Test relevance?
Not yet, but it’s a warning. Their T20I and ODI teams remain competitive, but their Test structure is crumbling. No consistent spin attack, no deep batting, and too many debutants without support. If they don’t invest in domestic first-class cricket — and fast — they risk becoming a minnow in Test cricket, like Zimbabwe or Ireland. The December series against New Zealand is their last chance to prove they still belong.