The India national cricket team vs West Indies cricket team timeline tells the story of one of international cricket’s most historic rivalries. It began with a Test series in 1948 and has since developed across Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is).
West Indies dominated the early years, producing legendary cricketers such as Sir Garfield Sobers, Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd and Malcolm Marshall. India gradually established itself as a major force, particularly after its historic Test series victory in the Caribbean in 1971.
One of the biggest turning points came in the 1983 Cricket World Cup final, when Kapil Dev’s India defeated the defending champions West Indies by 43 runs at Lord’s to win their first World Cup.
The rivalry has continued through several generations, featuring Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Rahul Dravid, Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. More recently, the teams met in the 2026 T20 World Cup and the September–October 2026 bilateral series in India.
This article covers the major milestones, historic matches, series results and memorable moments in the India vs West Indies cricket rivalry.
India vs West Indies Head-to-Head Record
India and West Indies have competed against each other in all three major international formats. Their Test rivalry began in 1948, their ODI meetings started in 1979, and their first T20I encounter took place in 2009.
The Test record still reflects West Indies’ historical dominance, while India holds the advantage in ODIs and T20Is.
Test head-to-head record
Men’s Tests, through October 2025
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 102 |
| India won | 25 |
| West Indies won | 30 |
| Drawn | 47 |
| Tied | 0 |
ODI head-to-head record
Men’s ODIs, including the September–October 2026 series
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 145 |
| India won | 74 |
| West Indies won | 65 |
| Tied | 2 |
| No result | 4 |
T20I head-to-head record
The 2026 bilateral T20I series finished 2–2, with the fifth match abandoned because of rain. For a reliable historical total, the complete pre-series T20I record should be reconciled with the official scorecards rather than combining figures from differently dated statistical databases.
India National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Timeline
Here are the major milestones in chronological order.
| Year | Tournament / Event | Major Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1948–49 | First Test series | West Indies won 1–0 |
| 1958–59 | West Indies tour of India | West Indies won 3–0 |
| 1961–62 | India tour of West Indies | West Indies won 5–0 |
| 1970–71 | India tour of West Indies | India won 1–0 |
| 1975 | First Cricket World Cup meeting | West Indies won |
| 1979 | First ODI meeting | West Indies won by 9 wickets |
| 1983 | Cricket World Cup final | India won by 43 runs |
| 1983–84 | West Indies tour of India | West Indies won 3–0 |
| 1994–95 | India vs West Indies Test series | Series drawn 1–1 |
| 2002 | India tour of West Indies | West Indies won Test series 2–1 |
| 2006 | India tour of West Indies | India won Test series 1–0 |
| 2009 | First T20I meeting | West Indies won |
| 2011 | India tour of West Indies | India won Test series 1–0 |
| 2016 | T20 World Cup semi-final | West Indies won |
| 2019 | India tour of West Indies | India won the Test series 2–0 |
| 2023 | India tour of West Indies | India won Test series 1–0 |
| 2025 | West Indies tour of India | India won Test series 2–0 |
| 2026 | T20 World Cup Super 8 | India won by 5 wickets |
| 2026 | West Indies tour of India | India won ODI series 2–1; T20I series drawn 2–2 |
Detailed India vs West Indies Timeline
1. 1948–49: The first Test series between India and West Indies
The India vs West Indies rivalry began in November 1948, when West Indies toured India for a five-match Test series.
The first Test was played in Delhi from November 10 to 14, 1948. It ended in a draw after both teams produced substantial first-innings totals.
West Indies eventually won the series 1–0. Their biggest victory came in the fourth Test at Madras (now Chennai), where they defeated India by an innings and 193 runs.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | West Indies tour of India 1948–49 |
| First Test | November 10–14, 1948 |
| Venue | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi |
| First Test result | Draw |
| Series result | West Indies won 1–0 |
| Total Tests | 5 |
This series established the beginning of a rivalry that would continue for decades.
2. 1952–53: India tours the Caribbean
India travelled to the Caribbean for a five-match Test series in 1952–53.
West Indies continued their advantage over India, winning the second Test at Bridgetown by 142 runs. The other four matches ended in draws.
The series finished 1–0 in favour of West Indies.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | India tour of West Indies 1952–53 |
| Total Tests | 5 |
| West Indies wins | 1 |
| India wins | 0 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Series result | West Indies won 1–0 |
3. 1958–59: West Indies dominate India at home
West Indies returned to India in 1958–59 and delivered one of their strongest performances in the early history of this rivalry.
The visitors won the five-match Test series 3–0. Their victories included a 203-run win at Kanpur, an innings-and-336-run win at Kolkata and a 295-run win at Chennai.
The Kolkata victory was particularly remarkable. West Indies scored 614/5 declared before dismissing India for 124 and 154.
| Series detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 1958–59 |
| Total Tests | 5 |
| West Indies wins | 3 |
| India wins | 0 |
| Draws | 2 |
| Series result | West Indies won 3–0 |
4. 1961–62: West Indies complete a 5–0 Test series victory
The 1961–62 series in the Caribbean was another difficult chapter for Indian cricket.
West Indies won all five Tests, completing a 5–0 series victory. It demonstrated the difference between the two teams during this period.
West Indies had a powerful cricketing side, with players capable of dominating both batting and bowling.
India continued to develop, but defeating the Caribbean team away from home remained a major challenge.
5. 1970–71: India wins its first Test series in the Caribbean
The 1970–71 tour became one of the most important chapters in Indian cricket history.
Under Ajit Wadekar’s captaincy, India defeated West Indies in their own conditions for the first time in a Test series.
India won the five-match series 1–0, with the decisive victory coming in the fourth Test at Port of Spain.
Sunil Gavaskar was the standout performer. He scored 774 runs in his debut Test series, establishing himself as one of India’s greatest opening batters.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | India tour of West Indies 1970–71 |
| Captain | Ajit Wadekar |
| Total Tests | 5 |
| India wins | 1 |
| West Indies wins | 0 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Series result | India won 1–0 |
| Star performer | Sunil Gavaskar |
This victory changed the balance of the rivalry and became a landmark achievement for Indian Test cricket.
6. 1976: India chases 403 runs at Port of Spain
The 1976 Test series in the Caribbean produced one of India’s most memorable victories.
In the fourth Test at Port of Spain, West Indies set India a target of 403 runs. India successfully chased the target, winning by six wickets.
This was a significant achievement because West Indies were one of the strongest Test teams in world cricket at the time.
The result demonstrated India’s growing ability to compete with the Caribbean side in challenging overseas conditions.
7. 1979: India and West Indies meet in their first ODI
India and West Indies began their ODI rivalry during the 1979 Cricket World Cup in England.
Their first ODI meeting took place at Edgbaston, Birmingham. West Indies won the match by nine wickets, continuing their dominance over India.
At that time, West Indies were the defending World Cup champions and one of the most feared teams in limited-overs cricket.
The introduction of ODI cricket added another dimension to the rivalry.
8. 1983: India defeats West Indies in the Cricket World Cup final
The 1983 Cricket World Cup final remains the most iconic match in the India vs West Indies timeline.
On June 25, 1983, India faced the two-time defending champions at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
India batted first and were bowled out for 183 in 54.4 overs. It was a modest total against a powerful West Indies batting lineup.
However, India’s bowlers produced an outstanding performance. They dismissed West Indies for 140 in 52 overs, giving India a historic 43-run victory.
Mohinder Amarnath was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | June 25, 1983 |
| Tournament | Cricket World Cup final |
| Venue | Lord’s, London |
| India score | 183 all out |
| West Indies score | 140 all out |
| Result | India won by 43 runs |
| Player of the Match | Mohinder Amarnath |
| Indian captain | Kapil Dev |
The victory gave India its first Cricket World Cup title and ended West Indies’ attempt to win the tournament for a third consecutive time.
It also transformed Indian cricket and became one of the most celebrated sporting achievements in the country’s history.
9. 1983–84: West Indies respond with a dominant Test series
After losing the 1983 World Cup final, West Indies travelled to India for a six-match Test series.
The Caribbean team responded strongly, winning three Tests while the remaining three ended in draws.
Malcolm Marshall was among the outstanding performers, taking 33 wickets during the six-Test tour.
The series demonstrated that West Indies remained a formidable Test side despite their World Cup final defeat.
10. 1994–95: A competitive Test series ends level
By the 1990s, the rivalry featured a new generation of international stars.
Sachin Tendulkar was becoming one of India’s leading batters, while Brian Lara had established himself as one of the most exciting players in international cricket.
Their 1994–95 Test series in India finished 1–1, with one match drawn.
It was a competitive series between two teams with outstanding batting talent.
11. 2002: West Indies defeat India in a Test series
India toured the Caribbean in 2002 for a five-match Test series.
West Indies won the series 2–1, while two matches ended in draws.
The victory was an important achievement for the home side. It also became the last time West Indies defeated India in a Test series, according to the historical record highlighted by the ICC in 2023.
12. 2006: India wins a Test series in the Caribbean after 35 years
India returned to the Caribbean in 2006 and achieved another important milestone.
Under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy, India won the four-match Test series 1–0. It was India’s first Test series victory in the West Indies since the historic 1971 tour.
The achievement was particularly significant because winning overseas Test series was still a major challenge for Indian cricket.
13. 2009: India and West Indies play their first T20 International
The two teams entered another era of their rivalry with their first T20 International meeting in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 at Lord’s.
West Indies won the match by seven wickets, with Chris Gayle playing a leading role.
The introduction of T20I cricket brought a more aggressive style of competition between the two teams.
14. 2011: India wins the Test series in the Caribbean
India toured the West Indies in 2011 for a three-match Test series.
India won the series 1–0, while the other two Tests ended in draws.
The tour was an important part of India’s overseas Test campaign and continued the team’s strong record against West Indies in the modern era.
15. 2016: West Indies defeat India in the T20 World Cup semi-final
The 2016 ICC World Twenty20 semi-final in Mumbai produced one of the most dramatic matches in the rivalry.
India batted first and scored 192/2 in 20 overs. Virat Kohli played an important innings, scoring an unbeaten 89.
West Indies chased the target successfully, reaching 196/3 in 19.4 overs and winning by seven wickets.
Lendl Simmons scored an unbeaten 82, while Andre Russell and Johnson Charles also made important contributions.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | March 31, 2016 |
| Tournament | ICC World Twenty20 |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| India score | 192/2 |
| West Indies score | 196/3 |
| Result | West Indies won by 7 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Lendl Simmons |
The victory sent West Indies into the final, where they eventually defeated England to win their second men’s T20 World Cup title.
16. 2019: India dominates the Test series in the Caribbean
India toured the West Indies in 2019 for a two-match Test series.
Virat Kohli’s team delivered an impressive performance, winning both matches and completing a 2–0 series victory.
Jasprit Bumrah was particularly effective with the ball. His outstanding bowling helped India control the series and maintain its strong Test record against West Indies.
India’s performances also demonstrated the improvement in its overseas fast-bowling resources.
17. 2023: India tours West Indies in all three formats
The 2023 tour was another important chapter because India and West Indies competed in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
India won the two-match Test series 1–0. The first Test ended in a convincing Indian victory, while the second match was affected by rain and finished in a draw.
The teams also played three ODIs and five T20Is, giving the tour a wider competitive context across formats.
The Test series continued India’s long unbeaten run in Test series against West Indies.
18. 2025: India wins the Test series 2–0
West Indies returned to India for a two-match Test series in 2025.
India won both matches to complete a 2–0 series victory. The result extended India’s recent dominance in Test cricket against the Caribbean side.
The series was another reminder of how dramatically the balance of power had changed since the early decades of the rivalry, when West Indies regularly dominated India.
19. March 1, 2026: India defeats West Indies in the T20 World Cup Super Eight
One of the biggest recent encounters took place at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
West Indies batted first and scored 195/4 in 20 overs. India faced a challenging chase but responded with an outstanding batting performance.
Sanju Samson produced a match-winning unbeaten 97 off 50 balls. India reached 199/5 in 19.2 overs, winning by five wickets.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | March 1, 2026 |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup |
| Stage | Super Eight |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| West Indies score | 195/4 |
| India score | 199/5 |
| Result | India won by 5 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Sanju Samson |
| Samson’s score | 97* off 50 balls |
The result secured India’s place in the semi-finals and eliminated West Indies from the tournament.
20. September 27, 2026: India begins the home ODI series with a victory
West Indies toured India in September 2026 for a three-match ODI series followed by five T20Is.
The opening ODI was played on September 27 at the Sports Hub International Cricket Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
West Indies scored 295/7 in 50 overs. India successfully chased the target, reaching 300/2 in 41.4 overs and winning by eight wickets.
Kuldeep Yadav was named Player of the Match after taking four wickets.
21. September 30, 2026: India wins a high-scoring ODI thriller
The second ODI in Guwahati produced a remarkable batting contest.
West Indies scored 405/7 in their 50 overs, putting India under pressure in a chase of 406.
However, India responded with an extraordinary batting performance, reaching 406/2 in 43.3 overs to win by eight wickets.
Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 223 off 133 balls, while the Indian batting lineup completed one of the most memorable successful chases in ODI history.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | September 30, 2026 |
| Venue | ACA Stadium, Barsapara, Guwahati |
| West Indies score | 405/7 |
| India score | 406/2 |
| Result | India won by 8 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Shubman Gill |
| Gill’s score | 223* off 133 balls |
This was a major highlight of the modern India vs West Indies rivalry.
22. October 3, 2026: West Indies fights back in the third ODI
The third ODI was played at the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
India batted first and posted 351/7 in 50 overs. West Indies responded with 352/5 in 48.2 overs, winning by five wickets.
The result prevented India from completing a clean sweep and gave West Indies an important victory in the series.
India nevertheless won the three-match ODI series 2–1.
23. October 6, 2026: India defeats West Indies in Lucknow
The five-match T20I series began on October 6 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
West Indies scored 171 all out in 19.1 overs. India chased the target comfortably, reaching 172/2 in 14.4 overs.
India won by eight wickets and made a strong start to the T20I series.
24. October 9, 2026: West Indies wins the second T20I in Ranchi
The second T20I produced a high-scoring contest.
India batted first and scored 249/5 in 20 overs. West Indies chased down the target with an impressive batting display, finishing at 252/4 in 18.3 overs.
West Indies won by six wickets and levelled the five-match series.
25. October 11, 2026: India regains the advantage in Indore
India and West Indies met for the third T20I at Holkar Stadium, Indore.
India scored 223 all out in 20 overs. West Indies managed 209/7 in their allotted overs.
India secured a 14-run victory, taking a 2–1 lead in the series.
26. October 14, 2026: West Indies levels the T20I series in Hyderabad
The fourth T20I took place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
India batted first and posted 223/9. West Indies produced a strong batting performance, reaching 247/3 in 20 overs.
West Indies won by 24 runs, bringing the series level at 2–2 and setting up an exciting final match.
27. October 17, 2026: Fifth T20I ends without a result
The final T20I was scheduled at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
India had reached 118/5 in 7.4 overs when rain interrupted the match. The weather prevented further play, and the contest was officially declared a no-result.
As a result, both teams finished the five-match series with two victories each.
West Indies captain Shai Hope was named Player of the Series after scoring 261 runs in four innings.
India vs West Indies: Season-by-Season Test Series Results
The Test rivalry has passed through several distinct periods, from West Indies’ early dominance to India’s sustained success in recent decades.
| Series | Result |
|---|---|
| 1948–49 | West Indies won 1–0 |
| 1952–53 | West Indies won 1–0 |
| 1958–59 | West Indies won 3–0 |
| 1961–62 | West Indies won 5–0 |
| 1970–71 | India won 1–0 |
| 1974–75 | West Indies won 3–2 |
| 1975–76 | West Indies won 2–1 |
| 1978–79 | India won 1–0 |
| 1982–83 | West Indies won 2–0 |
| 1983–84 | West Indies won 3–0 |
| 1987–88 | Series drawn 1–1 |
| 1988–89 | West Indies won 3–0 |
| 1994–95 | Series drawn 1–1 |
| 1996–97 | West Indies won 1–0 |
| 2001–02 | West Indies won 2–1 |
| 2002–03 | India won 2–0 |
| 2006 | India won 1–0 |
| 2011 | India won 1–0 |
| 2019 | India won 2–0 |
| 2023 | India won 1–0 |
| 2025 | India won 2–0 |
Biggest Moments in India vs West Indies Cricket History
Some matches and achievements stand above the rest of this long rivalry.
1971 – India’s first Test series win in the Caribbean
Ajit Wadekar’s team achieved a historic overseas victory, with Sunil Gavaskar scoring 774 runs.
1983 – India’s first World Cup title
India defeated West Indies by 43 runs at Lord’s.
2016 – West Indies win the T20 World Cup semi-final
Lendl Simmons helped West Indies chase 193 against India.
2026 – Sanju Samson’s match-winning 97
India chased 196 against West Indies to reach the T20 World Cup semi-finals.
FAQs: India National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Timeline
1. When did India and West Indies first play against each other?
India and West Indies played their first Test match on November 10, 1948, in Delhi. The match ended in a draw.
2. Which team has won more Test matches between India and West Indies?
West Indies have won more Test matches. Through October 2025, West Indies had 30 victories, compared with India’s 25, while 47 matches ended in draws. archive.acscricket.com
3. When did India first defeat West Indies in a Test series?
India won its first Test series against West Indies in 1970–71. Ajit Wadekar captained the Indian team.
4. When did India defeat West Indies in the 1983 World Cup final?
India defeated West Indies on June 25, 1983, at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. India won by 43 runs.
5. Who won the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final between India and West Indies?
West Indies won by seven wickets at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Lendl Simmons was named Player of the Match.
6. What happened in the India vs West Indies T20 World Cup match in 2026?
India defeated West Indies by five wickets in the Super Eight match on March 1, 2026. Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten 97. ICC
7. Who won the India vs West Indies ODI series in 2026?
India won the three-match ODI series 2–1. India won the first two matches, while West Indies won the third ODI. Windies Cricket
8. What was the result of the India vs West Indies T20I series in 2026?
The five-match T20I series finished 2–2. The fifth match in Bengaluru was abandoned because of rain. ICC
9. Who scored 223 runs in the India vs West Indies 2026 ODI series?
Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 223 off 133 balls in the second ODI at Guwahati on September 30, 2026. India won that match by eight wickets. Match Centre
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