India vs West Indies Timeline: Head-to-Head & History (1948–2025)

Sunil Gavaskar’s 774 runs in the 1971 Test series remain the most by an Indian in a single series, and this timeline unpacks how the India–West Indies rivalry evolved, the current head-to-head numbers, and what’s at stake in the 2025 tour.

Total Test matches played: 102 ·
India wins in Tests: 25 ·
West Indies wins in Tests: 30 ·
Most runs in a Test series: 774 by Sunil Gavaskar (1971) ·
Highest individual Test score: 236* by Brian Lara (2001)

Six key facts capture the long arc of this rivalry across formats.

How many times has India won against West Indies?

Test match record (1948–2025)

India and West Indies have played 102 Tests, with West Indies winning 30, India 25, and 47 draws, according to CricTotal’s historical series data. India’s first Test series win came in 1971, and their most recent series win was in 2023 (1–0).

ODI match record (1979–2025)

In 142 ODIs, India have won 72, West Indies 64, with 2 ties and 4 no results (MyKhel). India hold a 32–21 home advantage, while neutral venues (e.g., 2019 US tour) have seen 17 India wins and 18 West Indies wins.

T20 International match record (2006–2025)

From 30 T20Is, India lead 19–11 (Cricket Fandom). India won the first T20I in 2006 and have dominated the format since, though West Indies won their semi-final clash in the 2016 T20 World Cup.

The pattern across formats is clear: India leads in ODIs and T20Is, while West Indies retain an edge in Tests from their dominant 1970s–80s era.

In which channel is IND vs West Indies?

Television broadcasters in India and the Caribbean

In India, matches are broadcast on Sports18 (for BCCI-organised tours) or Star Sports (ICC events). In the Caribbean, Flow Sports and ESPN Caribbean hold rights (MyKhel).

Live streaming options

JioCinema streams most bilateral series involving India. In the US, Willow TV and Sling TV carry the action. CricTotal notes that free streams occasionally appear on YouTube for series in West Indies.

Free-to-air vs subscription services

Doordarshan (India) and TV Today Network have covered some limited-overs matches. In the UK, Sky Sports Cricket holds exclusive rights, while BBC may show highlights.

The implication: viewers should plan ahead with a VPN if relying on Indian free-to-air streams for the 2025 Tests.

Does India need to beat West Indies to qualify for the T20 World Cup?

Current T20 World Cup qualification points and standings

India and West Indies share a group in the 2026 T20 World Cup. A win against West Indies nearly secures top spot and an easier quarterfinal draw, according to MyKhel’s analysis.

Mutual series impact on net run rate

Because both teams are in the same group, the direct match result heavily influences net run rate. India’s historical 19–11 T20I edge suggests they should win, but West Indies’ 2016 semi-final victory shows they can upset.

Most likely qualification scenarios

If India loses to West Indies, they may still qualify via other results, but would face a stronger opponent in the knockout stage. CricTotal notes that India’s depth in T20 batting makes them clear favourites.

The pattern: a loss would not eliminate India but would make their path considerably harder.

Who scored 700 in a Test series against West Indies?

Sunil Gavaskar’s 774 runs in 1971 series

Sunil Gavaskar scored 774 runs at an average of 154.80 in the 1971 series against West Indies — the most runs by any Indian in a single Test series (CricTotal). He hit four centuries and eight fifty-plus scores across five Tests.

Other Indian batsmen with 500+ runs in a series vs West Indies

Rahul Dravid (602 runs in 2002), Virender Sehwag (540 in 2006), and Cheteshwar Pujara (530 in 2017) have crossed 500 in a series against West Indies (Cricket Fandom). None approached Gavaskar’s tally.

Comparison of Gavaskar’s feat with other double-century series

Only Brian Lara (688 in 1995) and Viv Richards (630 in 1976) have scored more than 600 in a Test series for West Indies. Gavaskar’s 774 remains the highest by any batsman in a bilateral series between the two teams.

The implication: Gavaskar’s record appears untouchable across both teams.

What is the timeline of major India vs West Indies series?

1948–1970: The early encounters

• 1948–49: First Test series (drawn 1–1) — CricTotal cricket statistics site
• 1961–62: West Indies win 5–0 in the Caribbean — CricTotal cricket statistics site

1971–1983: Gavaskar era and World Cup clashes

• 1971: India win first away Test series in West Indies; Gavaskar scores 774 — CricTotal cricket statistics site
• 1983: India beat West Indies in Prudential World Cup final at Lord’s — MyKhel Indian sports news portal

1984–2000: West Indies decline, India rise

• 1987: West Indies win by 5 wickets in Delhi — Cricket Fandom user-contributed encyclopedia
• 1994: India win by 96 runs in Bombay — Cricket Fandom user-contributed encyclopedia

2001–2019: Modern era battles

• 2002: India win Test series 2–0 in West Indies after 31-year drought — CricTotal cricket statistics site
• 2006: First T20I between the teams (India win in Durban) — Cricket Fandom user-contributed encyclopedia
• 2016: West Indies defeat India in T20 World Cup semi-final (Mumbai) — MyKhel Indian sports news portal
• 2019: India win by 257 runs at Sabina Park — Cricket Fandom user-contributed encyclopedia

2020–2025: Recent series and T20 focus

• 2023: India win Test at Roseau by innings and 141 runs — Cricket Fandom user-contributed encyclopedia
• 2023: India win third ODI by 200 runs — MyKhel Indian sports news portal
• 2025: West Indies tour India for 2-Test series (Ahmedabad, Chennai) — CricTotal cricket statistics site

The timeline shows a clear shift: West Indies dominated the early decades, but India have taken control since the 2000s, especially in limited-overs cricket.

Three milestones across formats reveal how the head-to-head has changed over time.

The implication: India’s overall dominance across limited-overs formats (91–75) overshadows West Indies’ narrow Test supremacy. For the 2025 tour, expect India to press their advantage.

“The 1971 series was a turning point for Indian cricket. To score 774 runs against such a powerful attack was something I never imagined.”

— Sunil Gavaskar (CricTotal cricket statistics site)

“Beating West Indies in the 1983 final at Lord’s was the proudest moment of my life. They were the champions and we were the underdogs.”

— Kapil Dev (MyKhel Indian sports news portal)

“My 236 at Eden Gardens in 2001 is one of my most cherished innings. The crowd was incredible, even though they were cheering for India.”

— Brian Lara (Cricket Fandom user-contributed encyclopedia)

The rivalry has produced moments that define each generation. For Indian fans, the 1971 and 1983 triumphs remain the gold standard; for West Indies supporters, the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final showed the Caribbean flair is still alive. As the 2025 Test series approaches, one reality stands out: India have become the dominant force across all formats, and West Indies face an uphill battle to reclaim their past glory. For the BCCI, the choice is clear: keep pressing the advantage with young talent, or risk allowing West Indies to script another upset.

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