The India National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Timeline spans over seven decades of international cricket, marking one of sport’s greatest rivalries.
Since their first Test match in November 1948, these teams have met 273 times across all formats, creating a narrative of shifting power dynamics.
India and West Indies have faced each other 100 times in Test cricket, with West Indies leading 30-23 in all-time wins.
However, across 142 ODIs, India has taken the edge with 72 wins compared to West Indies’ 64. In T20Is, India dominates with 19 wins in 30 matches.
The most striking aspect of the India National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Timeline is how the balance shifted.
In the 20th century, West Indies remained cricket’s most feared team with legendary pace bowlers and explosive batsmen.
Today, India stands as the dominant force, especially at home where they haven’t lost a Test series since 2013.
| Format | Matches | India Wins | West Indies Wins | Draws/No Result |
| Tests | 100 | 23 | 30 | 47 |
| ODIs | 142 | 72 | 64 | 6 |
| T20Is | 30 | 19 | 10 | 1 |
| Overall | 273 | 114 | 104 | 54 |
The West Indies Era: 1948-1980s
India’s first Test encounter came on November 10, 1948, at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi. West Indies batters dominated, posting 631 runs led by Everton Weekes and Clyde Walcott’s centuries.
The match ended in a draw, setting the tone for India’s early struggles against Caribbean cricket.
For 23 years, India couldn’t beat West Indies in Tests. When they finally achieved victory in 1971, it marked a watershed moment.
Sunil Gavaskar scored an unprecedented 774 runs in that debut Test series, establishing himself as India’s batting foundation.
The early decades saw West Indies establish complete supremacy through their pace bowling quartet of Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Joel Garner, and Malcolm Marshall.
Batsmen like Viv Richards, Brian Lara, and Clive Lloyd made opposing attacks look ordinary.
West Indies’ Dominant Era (1948-1980s) Key Features:
- Fearless pace bowling attack with world-class seamers
- Batting lineup featuring legendary players like Viv Richards, Brian Lara, and Everton Weekes
- Unmatched Test record with 30+ victories in early encounters
- Two-time World Cup champions (1975, 1979)
- Psychological dominance over all international teams including India
The Turning Point: 1983 World Cup
The India National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Timeline transformed irreversibly on June 25, 1983, when India defeated defending champions West Indies in the World Cup final at Lord’s. India scored just 183 runs, yet bowled out West Indies for 140.
| Aspect | India | West Indies |
| Runs Scored | 183 | 140 |
| Overs Faced | 54.4 | 52 |
| Top Scorer | Kris Srikkanth (38) | Viv Richards (33) |
| Wickets in Hand | 7 | 10 |
| Key Bowlers | Mohinder Amarnath (3 wkts), Madan Lal (3 wkts) | Malcolm Marshall (3 wkts), Michael Holding (2 wkts) |
| Result | Won by 43 runs | Lost defending title |
Kapil Dev’s leadership proved decisive. His team believed in themselves when nobody else did. Mohinder Amarnath took 3 crucial wickets, restricting West Indies when they could have scored easily. Roger Binny and Madan Lal provided essential support.
West Indies’ legendary captain Clive Lloyd could only manage 2 runs. Viv Richards, their batting star, fell for 33. This victory sparked India’s ascendancy as a cricket powerhouse and inspired a generation, including a 10-year-old Sachin Tendulkar.
The 1990s Transition: Balance Shifting
During the 1990s, India began producing world-class players consistently. Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble transformed Indian cricket’s trajectory. West Indies, meanwhile, watched their golden generation age or retire without proper replacements.
In the 2011 ODI match in Chennai, Virender Sehwag smashed 219 runs against West Indies bowlers, the highest ODI score at that time. This innings epitomized India’s new confidence against their former nemesis. India posted 418 for 5, demonstrating complete batting dominance.
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Modern Era: India’s Complete Dominance
The India National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Timeline from 2000 onwards tells a different story. West Indies last defeated India in a Test match in May 2002 at Sabina Park, Jamaica. Since then, India has won nearly every series against the Caribbean side.
From 2013 to 2024, India maintained an undefeated home Test series record, winning almost every match against West Indies at home. The 2018 series saw India win both Tests by massive margins. First Test at Rajkot ended in an innings victory by 272 runs.
India’s Recent Dominant Series Results (2018-2025):
- 2018: India won 2-0 at home (victories by 272 runs and 1 wicket)
- 2019: India won 2-0 in Caribbean (victories by 318 and 257 runs)
- 2023: India won 2-0 in Caribbean (dominant performances)
- 2025: India won 2-0 at home (victories by innings and 140 runs, and 7 wickets)
- Pattern: India rarely loses to West Indies in any format since 2002
In ODIs, India has won 9 of the last 10 matches. Their dominance extends across all formats, reflecting West Indies’ reduced capability to compete at the highest international level.
Recent Rivalry Analysis
The 2025 Test series between India and West Indies showcases the continued gap. India won both matches convincingly.
The first Test at Ahmedabad saw India post 448 runs and win by an innings and 140 runs in just three days.
| Test | Venue | India Score | West Indies Score | Result |
| 1st Test | Ahmedabad | 448/5d | 162 & 146 | India won by innings & 140 runs |
| 2nd Test | Delhi | 518/5d & 124/3 | 248 & 390 | India won by 7 wickets |
| Series Result | India 2-0 | West Indies 0-2 | Dominant India victory |
West Indies batters struggled against India’s pace bowling attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The bowling combination of experienced seamers and spinners like Kuldeep Yadav proved too much for Caribbean batsmen lacking form or consistency.
India’s batting order, led by Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, demonstrated technical superiority. Jaiswal reached 3,000 international runs in the 2025 series. Multiple Indian centuries in each Test underlined the skill gap between the teams.
Historical Records and Milestones
India’s Sunil Gavaskar holds the record for most runs against West Indies in Tests with 2,749 runs.
Kapil Dev took 89 wickets against them, establishing his legacy as a match-winner. Virat Kohli scored 1,019 runs in Tests against West Indies at an average of 48.52.
| Record Category | Player | Stat | Format |
| Most Runs (Tests) | Sunil Gavaskar | 2,749 runs | Test |
| Most Runs (ODIs) | Virat Kohli | 2,261 runs @ 66.50 avg | ODI |
| Most Runs (ODIs – Alt) | Rohit Sharma | 1,613 runs (3 centuries) | ODI |
| Most Wickets (Tests) | Kapil Dev | 89 wickets | Test |
| Most Wickets (ODIs) | Ravindra Jadeja | 44 wickets | ODI |
| Most Wickets (T20Is) | Kuldeep Yadav | 17 wickets | T20I |
| Highest Individual Score | Brian Lara | 375 runs (not out) | Test |
| Highest ODI Score | Virender Sehwag | 219 runs | ODI |
In ODIs, Kohli dominates with 2,261 runs at an extraordinary average of 66.50. Rohit Sharma contributed 1,613 runs with 3 centuries.
These statistics reflect India’s batting superiority in limited-overs cricket.
West Indies’ Brian Lara remains a historic figure, scoring 375 runs in a single Test innings. His contribution against India saw him accumulate 895 runs across Test matches.
However, individual brilliance couldn’t translate to team success against a rising Indian unit.
Format-Wise Analysis
In Test cricket, the rivalry shows West Indies’ historical edge from the 1950s to 1980s. India gradually improved their home record from the 1990s onward.
Currently, India wins most home series while West Indies struggles to compete.
| Format | Time Period | Dominance | Win Rate | Current Trend |
| Test Cricket | 1948-1980s | West Indies | WI: 30 wins vs IND: 23 wins | India dominance at home since 2002 |
| Test Cricket | 2000-Present | India | India: 15-10 in last 25 Tests | India winning most series |
| ODI Cricket | Overall | India | IND: 72 wins vs WI: 64 wins | India: 9 of last 10 wins |
| T20I Cricket | Overall | India | IND: 19 wins vs WI: 10 wins | India dominance in shortest format |
ODI cricket presents a closer contest statistically, but India’s recent dominance suggests a clear trend.
The shorter format suits India’s aggressive batting approach and versatile bowling options. West Indies’ explosive batting, once feared, now lacks the consistency required against India’s all-around strength.
T20 cricket heavily favors India. Their depth in batting, varied bowling attack, and experience in shortest format cricket give them consistent wins. West Indies’ ability to produce explosive performances occasionally doesn’t translate to series victories.
Key Players Shaping the Rivalry
Sunil Gavaskar’s foundation building in the 1970s-80s gave India Test cricket credibility. Sachin Tendulkar’s dominance across three decades elevated India to world-class status. Rahul Dravid’s technical excellence set batting standards.
Anil Kumble and Ravi Ashwin proved spinners could be match-winners in home conditions. Kapil Dev’s all-round abilities showcased Indian cricket’s capability to produce complete players. Modern stars like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah continue this legacy.
India’s Legendary Players Against West Indies:
- Sunil Gavaskar: 2,749 Test runs, batting foundation builder (1970s-1980s)
- Kapil Dev: 89 Test wickets, all-around excellence, 1983 World Cup hero
- Sachin Tendulkar: Three-decade dominance, consistency across all formats
- Rahul Dravid: Technical batting excellence, Test cricket pillar
- Virat Kohli: 2,261 ODI runs at 66.50 average, modern-era dominator
- Ravi Ashwin: 75 Test wickets, spin bowling excellence at home
- Jasprit Bumrah: Modern pace bowling leader, contemporary match-winner
West Indies’ Vivian Richards, Brian Lara, and their pace quartet defined an era. However, subsequent generations couldn’t maintain that standard.
Current West Indies cricketers face pressure to rebuild their team’s reputation against a vastly superior India.
FAQs
When did India first defeat West Indies in Test cricket?
India won their first Test against West Indies in 1971 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. This victory after 23 years marked the beginning of India’s improved record in Test cricket.
What makes the 1983 World Cup final so significant in India’s cricket history?
India defeated defending champions West Indies with just 183 runs, proving an underdog team could beat the world’s best. This victory inspired generations and transformed Indian cricket’s global perception.
Has West Indies beaten India recently in Test cricket?
West Indies last defeated India in a Test match in May 2002. Since then, India has maintained dominance, especially at home where they’ve won nearly every Test series.
Who is the leading run-scorer in India vs West Indies matches?
In Tests, Sunil Gavaskar leads with 2,749 runs. In ODIs, Virat Kohli dominates with 2,261 runs at an average of 66.50, demonstrating India’s batting superiority.
What is India’s current head-to-head record against West Indies?
Across all formats, India has 114 wins, West Indies 104, with 54 draws and no-results. India leads in ODIs (72-64) and T20Is (19-10) but trails in Tests historically (23-30).
How has the India National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Timeline changed in recent years?
The rivalry has shifted dramatically toward India’s dominance. West Indies, once cricket’s most feared team, now struggles against India in nearly every format, especially in home conditions.
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