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STUMP VISION OCTOBER 10, 2025 | The Indian Eye 46

The India–West Indies Test Series:

Evolution of Strategy and Skill

ARCHAN MEHTA

acing the West Indies in crick-
et used to be like trying to
Fteach a lion to do ballet: grace,
power and a touch of terror all at
once. In the early days, India’s en-
counters with the Caribbean giants
were defined by learning curves and
flashes of brilliance. The 1971 series
in the Caribbean marked a turning
point, with Sunil Gavaskar announc-
ing himself to the world by scoring
774 runs at an astonishing average of Heading into the 2025 series, India hosts two Tests in Ahmedabad and Delhi, aiming to consolidate World Test Championship points (Agency)
154.80, including four centuries. Dil-
ip Sardesai complemented him with ing Caribbean quicks. Kohli’s commanding centuries in lat- a more contested rivalry shows In-
642 runs, helping India secure its As the 1980s moved into the er years signified India’s depth and dia’s transformation into a confident
first series win abroad. West Indies 1990s and early 2000s, the rivalry dominance. Rohit Sharma’s debut in and versatile Test side.
batsmen like Sobers and Richards evolved into a battle of individual 2013/14, with scores of 177 and 111, Heading into the 2025 series,
danced elegantly against spin, forc- brilliance. The retirement of West highlighted the emergence of a con- India hosts two Tests in Ahmedabad
ing India to master patience, disci- Indies’ golden-era stars saw players fident, expansive batting lineup. On and Delhi, aiming to consolidate
pline, and the ability to seize crucial like Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chan- the bowling side, the combination of World Test Championship points.
moments in hostile conditions. derpaul, and Carl Hooper carrying Anil Kumble, Ishant Sharma, Mo- Shubman Gill leads with Ravindra
By the 1970s, the West Indies had the batting responsibility with flair hammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah Jadeja as deputy, while the No. 3 slot
transformed into an embodiment and resilience. Lara’s 391 in 1996/97, provided both pace and spin poten- is being trialed with B Sai Sudharsan.
of cricketing swagger, combining Chanderpaul’s 562 at 140.5 in 2002, cy, maintaining pressure across ses- India’s blend of spin and pace includ-
destructive batting with a fearsome and Hooper’s 233 in the same se- sions. The West Indies, with Darren ing Bumrah, Siraj, Prasidh Krishna,
pace battery. Clive Lloyd led from ries highlighted moments of artistry Bravo and Ramnaresh Sarwan pro- Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep
the front in 1974/75 with 636 runs and concentration. India’s batting viding sporadic resistance, struggled Yadav is designed to exploit home
at 79.50, Viv Richards dominated in matured alongside, with Sachin Ten- to reclaim the aura of fear they once conditions fully. West Indies, under
1975/76 with 556 runs at 92.66, and dulkar, VVS Laxman, Rahul Drav- wielded. India’s ability to control Roston Chase, plan to challenge with
Gordon Greenidge continued the id, and Sourav Ganguly producing both innings and sessions while re- experienced batsmen like Tagenarine
assault in 1983/84 with 411 runs at consistent, calculated performances maining flexible in attack exemplified Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze,
51.37. Their pace quartet of Roberts, against the Caribbean challenge. a modern, complete cricketing side. supported by pacers Alzarri Joseph,
Holding, Marshall, and Garner ter- Bowling tactics shifted from relying Since 2000, India has consis- Johann Layne, Anderson Phillip,
rorized Indian batsmen, producing solely on pace to precise pressure, tently dominated Test series against and Jayden Seales. While India re-
spells that demanded extraordinary with Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, the West Indies, winning every se- mains the overwhelming favorite, the
technique and mental resilience. In- Harbhajan Singh, and Zaheer Khan ries in the Caribbean and at home, Caribbean side intends to play with
dian batsmen responded with grit: methodically challenging even the including notable 2–0 victories in focus, patience, and tactical aware-
Gavaskar, Viswanath, and Mohinder most talented batsmen. This period 2016, 2018, and 2023. Key series ness. This series promises a contin-
Amarnath exemplified the ability to became less about raw intimidation wins abroad in 2002, 2006, and 2011 uation of one of cricket’s richest ri-
negotiate extreme pace while com- and more about sustained skill, strat- demonstrated India’s growing ability valries, a stage where history, talent,
piling substantial scores. Kapil Dev egy, and mental toughness. to succeed in challenging overseas and strategy collide, and where India
emerged as India’s spearhead with The 2000s marked the era of In- conditions. These results reflect In- looks to keep adding chapters to its
the ball, claiming 29 wickets in the dian ascendancy in the rivalry, par- dia’s consistent strength in Tests, record.
1983/84 series, including the remark- ticularly in the Caribbean where vic- combining batting depth and dis-
able 9/83 in Ahmedabad, proving tories had been rare. Rahul Dravid’s ciplined bowling to neutralize the Archan Mehta is a writer dedicated to
that disciplined seam attacks could 496 runs in 2006, Sehwag’s 357 runs West Indies’ threats. The shift from telling compelling stories about ath-
wrest back control from the menac- at aggressive strike rates, and Virat an intimidating West Indies team to letes, teams, and the world of cricket

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