India needed just an hour on the final morning to wrap up a seven-wicket win over West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium and complete a 2-0 Test series triumph — the first under new captain Shubman Gill.
Chasing 121, KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 58 off 108 balls, striking six fours and two sixes as India eased home. The win also earned India 12 valuable World Test Championship points, lifting their points percentage to 61.9 and keeping them third in the standings.
It’s always satisfying to see the team close things out in style. We knew we just had to bat time.
Though the margin was convincing, the match had its tense moments. West Indies, asked to follow on, staged a spirited fightback with centuries from John Campbell and Shai Hope and a gritty last-wicket stand that extended the game into the fifth day.
Kuldeep’s Spin, India’s Composure Make The Difference
India’s bowlers had toiled for more than 200 overs as the West Indies showed rare resilience. Kuldeep Yadav finished with eight wickets in the match, while Jasprit Bumrah claimed three key breakthroughs in the second innings.
With the bat, Rahul was steady, Gill elegant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal aggressive — the trio ensuring there were no jitters in the chase. Rahul’s late flourish, a crisp back-foot punch for four, sealed victory and India’s tenth successive Test win over the Caribbean side.
Chase: ‘This is a stepping stone for us’
Despite the loss, West Indies captain Roston Chase was encouraged by his side’s character after their heavy defeat in Ahmedabad.
This is the kind of fight I wanted to see from us. I think this is a stepping stone, a building step for us to go forward and improve as a Test-playing nation.
The visitors batted close to 200 overs across both innings, with Campbell and Hope’s hundreds and Justin Greaves’ unbeaten fifty standing out.
Even if we lose, we have to lose in a good and positive way. That’s the belief we need to carry forward.
‘Need more exposure and consistency’
Chase pointed to familiar issues — lack of batting depth, limited exposure to spin, and too few first-class games before international debuts.
Most of our guys come into international cricket with only 15-20 first-class games, while others have played 80 or more. If we can give players longer runs, they’ll learn on the job and adjust faster.”
He also urged more A tours and subcontinent exposure. “We’re better against pace than quality spin. So, the more we play here and learn, the better we’ll get,” he added. Chase said rediscovering enjoyment within the team was key.
“When you’re losing, the dressing room can feel heavy. But once we find that joy again, work hard, and play for each other, we’ll move forward as a group.”
Gambhir Praises Gill’s Poise as Test Captain
India head coach Gautam Gambhir was full of praise for Shubman Gill after his first Test series win as captain, calling his leadership “authentic and assured.” “He has already passed his toughest test in England,” Gambhir said. “Five Tests away from home in tough conditions against a quality side — that was his real examination.”
Gill, who succeeded Rohit Sharma after his retirement, led with quiet composure and scored 192 runs in three innings, including an unbeaten 129 in New Delhi.
‘He deserves to be there’
Gambhir said Gill’s leadership success came from his work ethic and example. “No one has done him a favour by appointing him captain. He deserves it,” Gambhir said. “He’s the first on the field, puts his body on the line, and earns respect through his actions.”
First, I need one!” he quipped. “He’s scoring runs, he’s in a good space. My job is to keep the entire group there — it’s not just about skill, but the mental aspect too.
As India look ahead to a packed calendar, Gambhir stressed staying grounded. “We’re not thinking about 2027 or the World Test Championship final. Staying in the present is what matters,” he said. India’s new era under Gill has begun with confidence and clarity — calm leadership, hungry young players, and a head coach who believes the team is built to grow.
Brief Scores: West Indies 248 & 390 (Campbell 115, Hope 103; Bumrah 3-44, Kuldeep 3-104) lost to India 518/5d & 124/3 (Rahul 58, Sudharsan 39; Chase 2-36) by seven wickets.
