Introduction
The much-anticipated Test series between India and the West Indies kicked off in October 2025. This two-match series, played in India, marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship (2025–27) cycle for both sides. For India, it’s about asserting home dominance under a new leadership group, while for the West Indies, it’s a chance to revive their red-ball fortunes against one of the toughest opponents in world cricket.
Schedule & Venues
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1st Test: October 2–6, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
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2nd Test: October 10–14, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
These venues bring contrasting challenges—Ahmedabad offers seam movement early on and spin later, while Delhi is known for testing batters with variable bounce and turn.
Squads, Captains & Team News
India
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Captain: Shubman Gill begins his era as Test skipper.
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Vice-captain: Ravindra Jadeja takes charge as deputy.
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Key changes:
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Rishabh Pant is unavailable, with Narayan Jagadeesan stepping in as wicketkeeper.
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Karun Nair has been dropped.
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Jasprit Bumrah returns fully fit to strengthen the pace attack.
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West Indies
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Captain: Roston Chase leads a young side.
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Challenges:
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Star pacers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph miss out due to injury.
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Khary Pierre, a left-arm spinner, has been added to balance the attack.
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Batting hopes: The visitors’ batting depends heavily on Shai Hope, Brandon King, and Alick Athanaze, who must adapt quickly to Indian conditions.
Key Battles & Strategic Themes
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India’s pace vs West Indies’ top order
Siraj and Bumrah will be crucial in exploiting early seam. West Indies must avoid collapses. -
Spin factor
Kuldeep Yadav and Jadeja will test Caribbean batters on turning tracks. The Windies’ ability to handle spin will define their survival. -
Opening partnerships
India’s stability from Rahul and Jaiswal could set the tone. For the West Indies, a solid start is vital to resist India’s attack. -
Leadership transition
India’s new captain Gill faces the challenge of proving himself at home. The West Indies, under Chase, look to rebuild their red-ball reputation. -
World Test Championship stakes
Every point matters in the new cycle. India aims to dominate at home, while West Indies will hope for at least a breakthrough win.
Day 1 Highlights – First Test in Ahmedabad
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West Indies bowled out for 162: India’s bowlers dominated, with Siraj taking 4 wickets, Bumrah 3, and Kuldeep 2.
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Siraj’s fiery spell: The pacer dismissed Chanderpaul, King, and Athanaze early.
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Bumrah milestone: Became the fastest Indian bowler to claim 50 Test wickets at home.
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India’s reply: At stumps, India reached 100 for 2, with KL Rahul steady at the crease.
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Pitch report: Early seam movement was evident, but the surface is expected to aid spinners as the match progresses.
What Lies Ahead
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Can West Indies recover in Delhi by adapting to spin?
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Will India’s young middle order take responsibility and pile on big runs?
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How will Gill handle leadership pressure in a high-expectation series?
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Can West Indies’ inexperienced batting unit stand tall against India’s relentless attack?
Final Thoughts
The India vs West Indies Test series 2025 is more than just a bilateral contest—it’s about India’s transition into a new era and West Indies’ fight to remain relevant in Test cricket. Early signs show India in control, but cricket has a way of springing surprises. A series sweep for India looks likely, yet even a single spirited fightback from the West Indies could reshape the narrative.
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