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India Crush West Indies 2-0: Clean Sweep Secured, But WTC Title Hopes Still on Thin Ice

India inflict clean sweep on West Indies; remain steady in WTC standings

India wrapped up a commanding 2-0 Test series victory over the West Indies with a clinical eight-wicket win in the second Test, chasing down a modest target of 121 with ease. While the series result showcased India’s dominance at home, their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) remains unchanged—third on the table, with the ultimate prize still a distant dream.

The win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi was textbook India: disciplined bowling, solid batting, and zero room for error. Yet, as the celebrations fade, a bigger question looms—can this level of performance translate into consistent WTC success against tougher opposition?

Table of Contents

How India Sealed the Clean Sweep

After bundling out West Indies for 222 in their second innings—thanks to sharp spells from Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav—India needed just 121 runs to seal the series. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill made light work of the chase, putting on an unbroken 122-run stand before Gill (63*) walked off to a standing ovation.

The victory wasn’t just about the scoreboard; it was about control. From Day 1, India dictated terms, rotating their bowlers intelligently on a slow Kotla track and never allowing the visitors to build momentum.

West Indies Show Glimmers of Resistance

Despite the whitewash, the West Indies weren’t entirely outclassed. In the second innings, batters like Kirk McKenzie (72) and Joshua Da Silva showed grit, frustrating India’s bowlers for over two sessions. Their resilience hinted at a team in transition—still raw, but no longer pushovers.

However, the lack of a consistent sixth bowling option and middle-order fragility once again proved costly. Against a side like India, even small lapses become match-defining.

India’s WTC Standing: What It Means

With this series win, India earned 24 WTC points (12 per win), but their overall position remains unchanged at third place in the 2023–2025 cycle standings. Australia and South Africa continue to lead the pack, having accumulated points through tougher away series.

Here’s a snapshot of the current top three (as of October 14, 2025):

Rank Team Points Percentage
1 Australia 108 67.5%
2 South Africa 96 60.0%
3 India 84 52.5%

While home wins against lower-ranked teams like West Indies add points, the real WTC battle will be won in overseas conditions—something India must address in upcoming tours.

What Lies Ahead for Team India

India’s next major Test challenge comes in early 2026 with a high-stakes tour of Australia—a series that could make or break their WTC final hopes. Until then, they’ll host stronger sides like England and New Zealand, offering the perfect testing ground for young talents and tactical evolution.

For now, the clean sweep over West Indies is a confidence booster—but in the grand WTC narrative, it’s just one chapter. The real test is yet to come.

Sources

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