When Shubman Gill, captain of India cricket team stepped onto the greens of Ahmedabad on October 2, 2025, the cricketing world finally got a glimpse of a West Indies tour of India that hadn’t happened in seven long years. The two‑match Test series, part of the 2025‑2027 ICC World Test ChampionshipAhmedabad, pits India cricket team against the West Indies cricket team in a battle for valuable championship points and, arguably, a morale boost ahead of a packed home season. The stakes feel as high as ever, with both sides eyeing a spot in the final at Lord’s in 2027.
Why This Tour Matters
For the West Indies cricket team, the trip is a chance to recover from a dip in form that has left them trailing in the current World Test Championship table. Their last Test visit to India ended in a 1‑0 series win for the hosts back in October 2018, a result that still haunts West Indian fans. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sees the series as a vital component of India's home summer schedule, which also includes high‑profile clashes with South Africa later in the month.
The World Test Championship format awards twelve points for a win and six for a draw, meaning each innings‑changing moment can swing the race for the coveted final. With six series to be played over the two‑year cycle – three at home, three away – a clean sweep here could catapult India into the top‑two, while West Indies hope to claw back into contention.
Tour Schedule and Venue Shuffle
The itinerary, announced by BCCI in April 2025, initially slated a second Test for Kolkata. In June, however, logistical concerns prompted a shift to Delhi, with the match set for October 10 at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium. Both venues are known for their passionate crowds and spin‑friendly pitches, though Ahmedabad’s new‑look stadium promises a slightly faster, bounce‑rich surface that could favour seamers.
- First Test: October 2‑6, 2025 – Eden Gardens, Ahmedabad
- Second Test: October 10‑14, 2025 – Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Squads, Captains and Late Injuries
India entered the series under the leadership of Shubman Gill, with veteran all‑rounder Ravindra Jadeja serving as vice‑captain. The 15‑man squad blends experience – Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj – with youth, notably 19‑year‑old Yashasvi Jaiswal.
West Indies, led by Roston Chase and vice‑captain Jomel Warrican, announced a similar mix of seasoned bowlers and emerging batsmen. However, the squad suffered two blow‑out injuries in the days leading up to departure. On September 26, fast‑bowler Shamar Joseph was ruled out and replaced by Johann Layne. Just three days later, Alzarri Joseph’s back injury forced his withdrawal, opening a spot for the versatile Jediah Blades.
Day One Drama: Siraj and Bumrah Lead the Assault
The opening day in Ahmedabad was anything but dull. Mohammed Siraj ripped through the West Indian top order, claiming four wickets for 40 runs in his spell of 15 overs. His outswinger to the off‑stump early on sent shivers through the pavilion.
Supporting him, Jasprit Bumrah delivered his signature knuckle‑ball that “shattered the stumps” as the commentary described. Between the two, the hosts bowled out the visitors for just 124, losing ten wickets across two sessions – a staggering collapse that set the tone for what could be a dominant series for India.
West Indies’ middle order tried to recover, with Justin Greaves showing grit by finding the gaps and rotating the strike, but none of the partnerships lasted more than 30 runs. By tea, the scoreboard read India 250/4, a lead that felt comfortably safe.
World Test Championship Implications
Each match in the championship is essentially a six‑point lottery – win and you grab a full dozen, draw and you split the reward. India, already sitting near the top of the table after a series win over England earlier in the year, can cement its position with a 2‑0 sweep. The West Indies, meanwhile, are languishing in the lower half; a win in either Test would be a morale‑boosting three‑point swing, but the odds are stacked against them given the short series length.
Over‑rate penalties also loom. The ICC’s strict enforcement means any team lagging behind the required 15 overs per hour could see a point deduction – a scenario both captains are keen to avoid.
Expert Views and What’s at Stake
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag told a local channel, “The pitches in Ahmedabad and Delhi are offering something for everyone. If India’s seamers keep the pressure on, the series could be wrapped up in the first week.”
West Indies cricket analyst Ravi Rampaul offered a more cautious take: “We’ll have to rely on our batting depth. The loss of Alzarri Joseph is a big blow, but Jediah Blades brings a left‑arm angle that could trouble the Indian top order.”
Both sides also know that the outcome influences selection decisions for upcoming limited‑overs tournaments, adding another layer of pressure.
Looking Ahead: Second Test and Beyond
Assuming the first Test ends with an Indian victory, the second encounter in Delhi will become a chance for the West Indies to regroup. Delhi’s spin‑friendly pitch might level the playing field, giving the Caribbean side a better shot at building long innings. For India, the challenge will be to maintain intensity while managing player workloads – a task that captain Shubman Gill admits is “crucial after a heavy first‑day workload for the bowlers.”
Regardless of the result, the series is already being hailed as a litmus test for both teams’ ambitions in the 2025‑2027 World Test Championship cycle, with the next few months likely to decide who will earn a ticket to the historic Lord’s final.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the series affect India's World Test Championship ranking?
A 2‑0 win would net India 24 points, likely propelling them into the top‑two spots and giving them a comfortable cushion ahead of the final qualification round. Even a 1‑1 split would keep them in contention, but would require strong performances against upcoming opponents like South Africa.
What are the chances West Indies can recover after the injury setbacks?
Losing both Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph weakens the pace attack, but the inclusion of Jediah Blades adds a left‑arm angle that may surprise Indian batsmen. Their success hinges on solid top‑order contributions; a couple of century partnerships could offset the bowling deficit.
Why was the second Test moved from Kolkata to Delhi?
BCCI cited venue readiness and logistical concerns, including the need for a higher‑capacity stadium to accommodate the expected crowd. Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium also offers a pitch that balances seam and spin, providing a more neutral contest.
Who are the key players to watch for India in the second Test?
All eyes will be on the fast‑bowling duo of Siraj and Bumrah, as well as spin maestro Ravindra Jadeja, who could exploit Delhi’s turning surface. Batting-wise, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s form will be crucial, and KL Rahul’s experience could stabilize the middle order.
What does a successful series mean for the West Indies' future tours?
A competitive performance, even without a series win, would boost the West Indies’ confidence and bargaining power for future marquee tours, potentially securing more high‑profile fixtures and sponsorship deals in the crowded cricket calendar.
