On October 10, 2025, India clinched a 2-0 series sweep over West Indies with a commanding seven-wicket victory in the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. The win wasn’t just another home triumph—it was a statement. After dominating the first Test in Kolkata, India completed the sweep in front of a roaring crowd, proving once again why they remain the most formidable side in home conditions. What made this match unforgettable wasn’t just the result, but the grit of West Indies’ batters, the brilliance of India’s spinners, and a final-day chase that felt more like a coronation than a contest.
India’s Batting Masterclass Sets the Stage
India won the toss on October 6 and chose to bat, setting the tone for the match. Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered a career-defining performance, smashing 175 off 258 balls with 25 fours—his highest Test score. His opening partner, Sai Sudharsan, held firm with 86, and together they added 150 runs before Jaiswal fell. Captain Shubman Gill followed with a composed 129, anchoring the innings with precision. The fifth-wicket stand between Gill and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel added 100 runs, helping India declare at 518/5 after 134.2 overs. It was a total that looked daunting, but West Indies had surprises in store.West Indies’ Fightback: Two Centuries Against the Odds
West Indies collapsed for 248 in their first innings, bowled out by a lethal combination of Kuldeep Yadav (5/82) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/46). But their second innings told a different story. John Campbell, playing only his third Test, scored his maiden century—115 off 199 balls. Shai Hope, back from years of inconsistency, responded with his first Test hundred in nine years: 103 off 214. Their 177-run partnership stretched India’s bowling attack thin, with the visitors holding on for nearly two full days. When Justin Greaves (50*) and Jayden Seales added 79 for the last wicket, West Indies reached 390, setting India a target of 124.Kuldeep Yadav Steals the Show
It was Kuldeep Yadav who turned the tide. His 8 wickets across both innings—5/82 and 3/104—were the backbone of India’s victory. He outwitted West Indies’ middle order with his wrist spin, often trapping batters in front or inducing edges to slip. Jasprit Bumrah added crucial breakthroughs with 3/44, including the final wicket of Seales, who was caught at short leg. Bumrah’s pace and precision kept the pressure on even when the pitch offered little assistance. By the final day, West Indies’ bowlers had given everything, but India’s top order was too disciplined.
Final Day: A Calm Finish to a Dramatic Match
At the start of Day 5, India needed 58 runs with KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan at the crease. By tea, they needed just 33. When captain Shubman Gill walked out to join Rahul, the crowd rose as one. Gill, who had already scored a century in the first innings, didn’t need to play a big shot. He nudged his first run into the off-side and settled in. Rahul, unbeaten on 58 off 108, guided the team home with calm authority. Sudharsan fell for 39, and Gill was dismissed for 14, but the target was reached in 35.2 overs. The victory wasn’t flashy—it was efficient, mature, and utterly professional.Player of the Match and Series: A Tale of Two Stars
Kuldeep Yadav was named Player of the Match for his 8-wicket haul. But the real story of the series was Ravindra Jadeja, who was awarded Player of the Series. He bowled 132 overs across two Tests, took 11 wickets, scored 118 runs, and held 7 catches. His all-round consistency was the quiet engine behind India’s dominance. Meanwhile, West Indies captain Roston Chase acknowledged the positives: "I begin by noting the encouraging signs in this Test, pointing out that two of my batters, Shai Hope and John Campbell, scored fine hundreds—a moment of pride and relief for the team."
What This Means for Both Teams
For India, this sweep extends their unbeaten run in home Test series to 19 since 2017. It also reinforces their depth—six different batters scored 50+ in this series, and four bowlers took 10+ wickets. For West Indies, the series was a turning point. After years of rebuilding, Campbell and Hope’s centuries show they’re close to regaining Test credibility. The next challenge? Winning a Test abroad. They’ve shown they can compete. Now they need to win.Key Moments That Defined the Match
- Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 175 was his highest Test score and the first 150+ by an Indian opener in Delhi since 2018.
- Shai Hope’s 103 was his first Test century since 2016—ending a 9-year drought.
- Kuldeep Yadav’s 8 wickets were his best in a single Test, surpassing his previous best of 6/102.
- India’s 518/5 declared was their highest total in Delhi in Tests since 2012.
- West Indies’ 390 in the second innings was their highest score against India since 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kuldeep Yadav’s performance compare to other Indian spinners in home Tests?
Kuldeep Yadav’s 8-wicket haul in Delhi was his best in a single Test and the most by an Indian wrist-spinner in home conditions since Ravichandran Ashwin’s 9/124 against England in 2016. His ability to extract turn from a flat pitch, combined with sharp variations, made him the standout performer. He now has 102 Test wickets in 27 matches, placing him among India’s top five spinners in terms of strike rate.
Why was this series sweep significant for India’s Test cricket legacy?
This was India’s 19th consecutive home Test series win, dating back to 2017. No team in Test history has maintained such a streak over such a long period. Winning both matches by large margins—by an innings in Kolkata and by seven wickets in Delhi—showcases their ability to dominate across different conditions and against varying opposition styles. It also solidifies their position as the world’s top-ranked Test team.
What does John Campbell’s century mean for West Indies’ future?
Campbell’s maiden Test century was a breakthrough moment for West Indies. At 23, he’s the youngest Caribbean batter to score a Test hundred against India since 2005. His calm technique against spin and ability to occupy the crease suggest he could be their long-term opener. With Hope also returning to form, West Indies now have two credible top-order batters—something they’ve lacked since the 2010s.
How did the pitch behave throughout the match?
The Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch was flat but offered increasing turn from Day 3 onward. It was a typical Indian batting-friendly surface early on, but as the match progressed, it cracked slightly, aiding spinners. Kuldeep and Jadeja exploited the rough outside off-stump, while pacers struggled for movement. The weather remained sunny throughout, with no interruptions—ideal for Test cricket.
Who were the match officials, and why does their presence matter?
The match was officiated by umpires Paul Reiffel (Australia), Richard Illingworth (England), and Alex Wharf (England), with Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe) as match referee. Having experienced international umpires ensures consistency and reduces controversy. Their presence also signals ICC’s confidence in India’s hosting standards—especially after the 2023 World Cup.
What’s next for India and West Indies in Test cricket?
India will host Sri Lanka in a three-Test series starting in November, while West Indies travel to South Africa for a two-match series in December. For India, it’s about maintaining momentum. For West Indies, South Africa will be their toughest test yet—they’ve lost their last 11 Tests away from home. This series in India was a sign of progress. Now they need to prove they can win abroad.
