India clinch dominant series victory against the West Indies

India sealed a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in Delhi to complete a 2-0 series sweep over the West Indies, marking Shubman Gill's first triumph as Test captain and cementing their place in cricket history. The win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium not only continued India's astonishing 27-match unbeaten run against the Caribbean side—a streak stretching back 23 years to 2002—but also elevated them to third on the all-time list for most Test wins at home.

With this victory, India registered their 122nd Test win on home soil, surpassing South Africa's tally of 121 to move behind only Australia (262) and England (241) in the prestigious rankings. The triumph also extended India's record to 10 consecutive series victories against West Indies since 2002, matching South Africa's record for most successive series wins against a single opponent.

The victory stretched India's unbeaten Test match streak in Delhi to 14 matches—12 wins and two draws since 1993. India last tasted defeat in the capital in 1987, ironically against the West Indies. With this result, Delhi overtook both Mohali and Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium to become India's longest unbeaten home venue.

KL Rahul's composed unbeaten 58 off 108 balls guided India to their modest target of 121 on the fifth morning. After Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early for eight, Rahul anchored the chase with a crucial 79-run partnership with Sai Sudharsan (39), ensuring India maintained their perfect record.​

Ravindra Jadeja claimed the Player of the Series award for his outstanding all-round performance, registering 104 runs and eight wickets at an average of 27.13 across the two Tests. The 36-year-old's contributions included a magnificent century in Ahmedabad and a four-wicket haul in the same match.

With his eight wickets, Jadeja surpassed Harbhajan Singh to become the third-highest wicket-taker for India in international cricket at home with 377 scalps, trailing only Anil Kumble (476) and Ravichandran Ashwin (475). "I don't think too much about records," Jadeja reflected. "I just focus on contributing with both bat and ball to help my team win".

Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his remarkable ascent with a sublime 175 off 258 balls in Delhi, laced with 22 boundaries. The 23-year-old's knock marked his fifth 150-plus score in Tests before turning 24, placing him alongside Don Bradman and surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's tally at the same age.

Despite falling 25 runs short of what would have been his third Test double century following a run-out mix-up with Gill, Jaiswal's innings provided the platform for India's commanding first-innings total of 518/5 declared. West Indies legend Brian Lara jokingly pleaded at the end of Day 2: "Don't beat our bowlers that bad".

Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the Player of the Match with eight wickets for 186 runs, including a crucial first-innings five-for (5/82) that forced West Indies to follow on. The left-arm wrist spinner toiled for 55.5 overs on a slow, unresponsive Delhi pitch. Mohammed Siraj finished as the series' leading fast bowler with 10 wickets.

The first Test in Ahmedabad witnessed Dhruv Jurel's maiden Test century of 125 off 210 balls, showcasing elegant artistry in just his sixth Test. His innings was part of India's massive first-innings total where three centuries powered them to an innings-and-140-run victory.

Despite comprehensive defeat, West Indies produced moments of resistance. John Campbell's maiden Test century (115) made him the first West Indian to score a Test hundred in India since 2002. His 177-run partnership with Shai Hope (103) became the first instance of twin centuries while following on since Dravid and Laxman's famous Eden Gardens stand in 2001.

For 26-year-old Gill, the series victory marked a significant milestone. He became the first Indian captain in the 21st century to win four Test matches before turning 27, matching Sachin Tendulkar's record. His unbeaten 129 in Delhi also saw him equal Virat Kohli's record for most Test hundreds by an Indian captain in a calendar year, with five in 2025.

The 2-0 sweep strengthened India's position in the World Test Championship standings, retaining third place with a Points Percentage of 61.90. As India look ahead to their next home assignment against South Africa, the dominant sweep has restored confidence and underlined their credentials as one of the most formidable Test teams on home soil. With 122 home victories, India's fortress continues to strengthen.

KL Rahul - Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP