The rivalry between the India National Cricket Team and the West Indies Cricket Team is one of the most captivating stories in cricket history. Spanning over seven decades, this timeline captures the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments that have defined their encounters. From the early days of West Indies’ dominance to India’s rise as a cricketing powerhouse, the India vs West Indies clashes have produced iconic performances, record-breaking feats, and thrilling matches that fans still cherish today. In this comprehensive timeline, we take you through the journey of this legendary rivalry, highlighting key matches, notable players, and historic milestones.
Historic Beginnings: India vs West Indies in Test Cricket (1948–1960s)
The first encounters between India and the West Indies set the stage for a rivalry that would grow into one of cricket’s most celebrated. Their maiden meeting took place in 1948 at Delhi, where the visiting West Indies team, featuring stars like the legendary Everton Weekes, dominated the Indian side. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, West Indies’ pace attack and powerful batting often proved too strong for India, which was still finding its footing in international cricket. Despite the challenges, these early matches were crucial for India’s growth, laying the foundation for future successes and memorable victories that would come in later decades.
| Year | Series/Tour | Venue | Format | Result |
| 1948–49 | West Indies tour of India | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata | Test | WI won series 1–0 |
| 1952–53 | India tour of West Indies | Kingston, Port of Spain | Test | WI won series 1–0 |
| 1958 | West Indies tour of India | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata | Test | WI won series 3–0 |
| 1961 | India tour of West Indies | Bridgetown, Georgetown | Test | WI won series 1–0 |
| 1966 | West Indies tour of India | Various | Test | Series drawn 1–1 |
West Indies’ Golden Era: India vs West Indies (1970s–1980s)
The 1970s–1980s were a defining period in India vs West Indies cricket history. West Indies’ unmatched strength and talent made them a dominant force, while India fought to carve its place on the international stage. Every series was a test of skill and endurance, producing legendary matches and memorable moments that continue to be celebrated by cricket fans around the world.
| Year | Series/Tour | Venue | Format | Result |
| 1974 | West Indies tour of India | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata | Test | WI won series 3–0 |
| 1978 | India tour of West Indies | Kingston, Port of Spain, Georgetown | Test | WI won series 2–0 |
| 1983 | India tour of West Indies | Bridgetown, Kingston | Test | WI won series 2–1 |
| 1987 | West Indies tour of India | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata | Test | Series drawn 1–1 |
| 1988 | India tour of West Indies | Port of Spain, Georgetown, Kingston | Test | WI won series 2–0 |
From Struggle to Strength: India vs West Indies in the 1990s and 2000s
The 1990s and 2000s saw India emerge as a formidable opponent against the West Indies. With cricketing legends like Tendulkar, Dravid, and Kumble leading the way, India began winning key series both at home and abroad. While West Indies continued to produce flashes of brilliance, India’s consistency and growing confidence marked a shift in the rivalry, turning what was once a one-sided contest into a competitive and thrilling matchup.
| Year | Series/Tour | Venue | Format | Result |
| 1994 | West Indies tour of India | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata | Test | Series drawn 1–1 |
| 1997 | India tour of West Indies | Kingston, Port of Spain, Georgetown | Test | WI won series 2–1 |
| 2002 | India tour of West Indies | Port of Spain, Kingston, Bridgetown | Test | India won series 1–0 |
| 2006 | West Indies tour of India | Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata | ODI | India won series 3–2 |
| 2007 | India tour of West Indies | Port of Spain, Kingston | ODI | India won series 4–1 |
Modern Era: India vs West Indies (2010s–2020s)
From 2010 onwards, India has firmly established itself as a powerhouse against West Indies. While India has won the majority of bilateral series, West Indies have remained a threat in T20 cricket, producing spectacular performances from stars like Chris Gayle and Pollard. This era has witnessed high-scoring games, nail-biting finishes, and memorable individual performances, keeping the historic rivalry alive in the modern cricketing landscape.
| Year | Series/Tour | Venue | Format | Result |
| 2011 | West Indies tour of India | Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata | Test | India won series 2–0 |
| 2013 | India tour of West Indies | Kingston, Port of Spain, Bridgetown | Test | Series drawn 1–1 |
| 2014 | West Indies tour of India | Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata | ODI | India won series 3–2 |
| 2016 | India tour of West Indies | Port of Spain, Kingston | ODI & T20I | India won ODI series 3–0, T20I 2–0 |
| 2019 | India tour of West Indies | Antigua, Jamaica, St Lucia | T20I | India won series 3–0 |
| 2022 | West Indies tour of India | Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai | ODI | India won series 3–0 |
India vs West Indies Cricket Rivalry: Highlights and Timeline Leading to the 2025 Clash
1st Test: Held from October 2–4 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India emerged victorious by an innings and 140 runs.
2nd Test: Currently underway at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, starting October 10.
Key Performers
- India: Ravindra Jadeja has been instrumental, surpassing Harbhajan Singh to become India’s third-highest wicket-taker in international cricket at home across all formats.
- West Indies: John Campbell and Shai Hope have shown resilience, with both players contributing significantly in the second innings of the ongoing Test.
Summary of India vs West Indies Champions Trophy Encounters
| Year | Result | Venue | Key Performers (India) |
| 2009 | India won | Johannesburg | Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina |
| 2013 | India won | The Oval, London | Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja |
| 2025 | India won | Dubai International Stadium | Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja |
Final Words: India vs West Indies Cricket Rivalry in 2025
The India vs West Indies cricket rivalry has stood the test of time, evolving from the early encounters of the 1940s to the high-octane clashes of 2025. Over the decades, fans have witnessed West Indies’ dominance, India’s rise, and the thrilling balance of contests in the modern era. Today, with India asserting consistent strength and West Indies still showcasing explosive talent, every match adds a new chapter to this storied rivalry.
From historic Test victories to thrilling ODIs, T20s, and Champions Trophy successes, the timeline of India vs West Indies matches reflects not just scores and stats but the spirit, passion, and legacy of cricket itself. As the 2025 series unfolds, cricket enthusiasts worldwide continue to celebrate a rivalry that is as much about history as it is about the excitement of the present.
FAQs:
1. When did India and West Indies play their first Test match?
India and West Indies played their first Test match in December 1948 at the Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi. West Indies won the match, marking the beginning of this historic rivalry.
2. Which team has dominated the rivalry historically?
In the early decades, West Indies dominated, especially during the 1970s–1980s Golden Era. However, from the 1990s onwards, India has been more dominant, particularly in home conditions and in the modern T20 and ODI formats.
3. How many times have India and West Indies faced each other in ICC tournaments?
India and West Indies have faced each other multiple times in ICC events, including the Champions Trophy, World Cup, and T20 World Cup. India has generally had the upper hand in Champions Trophy matches.
4. Who are the standout players in this rivalry?
- India: Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja
- West Indies: Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, Brian Lara, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran
5. What makes the India vs West Indies rivalry special?
The rivalry is defined by historic Test battles, explosive ODIs, and thrilling T20 encounters, featuring iconic players and memorable performances across generations. It combines tradition, skill, and excitement, making it one of cricket’s most celebrated contests.
