The rivalry between the India national cricket team and the West Indies cricket team is one of the most storied in cricket history. From the fiery pace attacks of the 1970s and 80s to India’s modern dominance in all formats, these two sides have produced countless memorable moments. As of November 2025, with the West Indies tour of India for two Tests recently concluded in a 2-0 sweep for the hosts, fans are buzzing about the current crop of players. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the India vs West Indies cricket team players, comparing current squads, analyzing key matchups, exploring historical head-to-head records, and highlighting standout performers across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Whether you’re searching for the latest India national cricket team vs West Indies cricket team players list for the 2025 series or want evergreen insights into this iconic clash, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down format by format, with side-by-side comparisons, stats, and unique insights you won’t find elsewhere.
Current Squads: India vs West Indies Players in 2025
The 2025 West Indies tour of India featured two Test matches, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. India, led by Rohit Sharma (with Jasprit Bumrah captaining in the second Test due to injury concerns), fielded a strong lineup blending experience and youth. West Indies, under Kraigg Brathwaite, relied on resilient batsmen and emerging pacers but struggled against India’s spin-heavy attack.
India Test Squad and Playing XI (2025 vs West Indies)
India announced a 16-member squad for the series, with notable returns and debuts. Here’s the full list with roles, ages (as of Nov 2025), and recent form notes:
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Batsmen/All-rounders:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (23) – Explosive opener; smashed 164* in the 1st Test.
- Shubman Gill (26) – Vice-captain; elegant strokeplayer with a double-century in the series.
- Virat Kohli (37) – Chase master; steady but quiet series.
- KL Rahul (33) – Wicketkeeper-batsman; solid middle-order contributions.
- Rishabh Pant (28) – Aggressive WK; back from injury, fiery knocks.
- Ravindra Jadeja (36) – All-rounder; Player of the Series with bat and ball.
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Bowlers:
- Jasprit Bumrah (31) – Captain (2nd Test); lethal pace, 12 wickets.
- Mohammed Siraj (31) – Seam support.
- Ravichandran Ashwin (39) – Off-spin wizard; 10+ wickets.
- Kuldeep Yadav (30) – Wrist-spin variety.
Reserves:
- Shreyas Iyer, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, etc.
Playing XI for 1st Test (example): Jaiswal, Rohit (c), Gill, Kohli, Rahul, Pant (wk), Jadeja, Ashwin, Kuldeep, Bumrah, Siraj.
West Indies Test Squad and Playing XI (2025 vs India)
West Indies named a 15-member squad, focusing on youth amid rebuilding. Key players included:
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Batsmen:
- Kraigg Brathwaite (32) – Captain; gritty opener.
- Mikyle Louis (24) – Debutant; promising starts.
- John Campbell (32) – Aggressive left-hander.
- Shai Hope (31) – Reliable middle-order.
- Kavem Hodge (32) – Solid technique.
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All-rounders/Bowlers:
- Jason Holder (34) – Premier all-rounder; economical bowling.
- Alzarri Joseph (28) – Pace leader.
- Kemar Roach (37) – Veteran seamer.
- Jomel Warrican (33) – Left-arm spinner.
- Gudakesh Motie (30) – Emerging spin option.
Playing XI highlights: Brathwaite (c), Louis, Campbell, Hope, Hodge, Da Silva (wk), Holder, Joseph, Roach, Warrican, Motie.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table: Key Players (Tests 2025 Series)
Category |
India Player |
Age |
Series Stats (Runs/Wkts) |
West Indies Player |
Age |
Series Stats (Runs/Wkts) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Openers |
Yashasvi Jaiswal |
23 |
250+ runs |
Kraigg Brathwaite |
32 |
150 runs |
Middle-Order |
Shubman Gill |
26 |
200+ (incl. double) |
Shai Hope |
31 |
120 runs |
All-rounder |
Ravindra Jadeja |
36 |
150 runs + 8 wkts |
Jason Holder |
34 |
80 runs + 5 wkts |
Pace Leader |
Jasprit Bumrah |
31 |
12 wickets |
Alzarri Joseph |
28 |
7 wickets |
Spinner |
R Ashwin |
39 |
10 wickets |
Gudakesh Motie |
30 |
6 wickets |
Head-to-Head Records: India vs West Indies Across Formats
India and West Indies have played 231 matches across formats, with India holding a clear edge in recent decades.
Test Matches H2H
- Total Tests: 98 (as of Nov 2025)
- India Wins: 22
- West Indies Wins: 30
- Draws: 46
- India’s Largest Victory: Inns & 272 runs (2025 1st Test)
- West Indies’ Last Test Win in India: 1983
Post-2000, India dominates 14-2 in Tests.
ODI H2H
- Total ODIs: 145
- India Wins: 77
- West Indies Wins: 63
- Ties/No Result: 5
- Highest Team Score: India 418/5 (2023)
- Iconic Moment: 1983 World Cup Final – WI favorites, India upset winners.
T20I H2H
- Total T20Is: 28
- India Wins: 19
- West Indies Wins: 8
- No Result: 1
- Recent: India won 4-1 in 2023 series.
All-Time Top Performers Table
Stat |
India Player |
Record |
West Indies Player |
Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Most Test Runs |
Sunil Gavaskar |
2,749 runs |
Brian Lara |
2,853 runs |
Most Test Wkts |
Kapil Dev |
89 wickets |
Courtney Walsh |
77 wickets |
Most ODI Runs |
Virat Kohli |
2,230 runs (avg 93) |
Chris Gayle |
1,918 runs |
Most T20I Runs |
Rohit Sharma |
708 runs |
Evin Lewis |
542 runs |
Timeline of Iconic India vs West Indies Matches
The rivalry dates back to West Indies’ first tour of India in 1948. Here’s a curated timeline of pivotal encounters:
- 1948-49: WI wins series 1-0; Everton Weekes scores 5 centuries.
- 1971: India ‘s first series win in WI; Gavaskar debuts with 774 runs.
- 1983 World Cup Final: Kapil Dev’s India stuns WI by 43 runs at Lord’s.
- 2002 Champions Trophy: Shared trophy after rain.
- 2006: India chases 310 in WI; Dravid and Kaif epic partnership.
- 2019: India whitewashes WI 3-0 in Tests; Bumrah’s hat-trick.
- 2023: India dominates ODIs; Gill double-century.
- 2025 Tests: India 2-0; Jaiswal-Gill record 350+ partnership shatters 64-year mark.
This timeline shows the shift from WI dominance (pre-1990s) to India’s era.
Key Player Matchups and Rivalries
Modern Battles
- Bumrah vs WI Batsmen: Bumrah has 25+ wickets vs WI at avg <20; deadly yorkers dismantle Hope and Holder.
- Jadeja vs Left-Handers: Troubles Campbell and Louis with arm-balls.
- Holder vs Indian Middle-Order: Economical, but Kohli averages 60+ against him.
Historical Legends
- Gavaskar vs Roberts/Holding: 13 centuries vs WI pace quartet.
- Tendulkar vs Ambrose/Walsh: 1,500+ runs.
- Lara vs Indian Spinners: Masterful against Kumble/Harbhajan.
Emerging stars like Jaiswal (fearless vs pace) and Motie (mystery spin) could define future clashes.
Notable Records and Milestones in IND vs WI
- Longest Partnership: Jaiswal-Gill 350+ in 2025 – highest for India vs WI, breaking 64-year record.
- Fastest Century: Chris Gayle 70 balls (ODI).
- Most Sixes in Series: Rohit Sharma (T20Is).
- India’s Home Invincibility: Unbeaten vs WI in Tests since 2002.
In the 2025 series, India smashed batting records, declaring at 600+ twice.
Upcoming Schedule and Where to Watch
No immediate series post-2025 Tests, but potential in WTC 2027 or bilateral T20Is. Watch on Star Sports (India), FanCode, or Willow TV (global). Live scores on ESPNcricinfo/Cricbuzz.
Why India Dominates in 2025 and Beyond
India’s bench strength, home conditions favoring spin/seam, and WI’s transitional phase explain the gap. Yet, WI’s flair – think Joseph ‘s bounce or Hope’s elegance – keeps it exciting.
This rivalry evolves, but the passion remains. Who are your favorite India national cricket team vs West Indies cricket team players? Drop comments below!
