The last time West Indies featured in a Test series, against Australia in June-July this year, it slumped to a 0-3 defeat.
If its overall performance across the series was dismal, the final Test in Kingston drove the point home as the side was bundled out for just 27 runs in the second innings.
Now, as the Caribbean team readies for a two-match series against India, it has plenty to ponder. The squad has already been dealt a blow with two of its key fast bowlers — Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph — ruled out due to injuries.
On the eve of the series opener, West Indies captain Roston Chase admitted that while the conditions in India will be challenging, his young side is eager to put up a fight. As part of its build-up, the team has drawn inspiration from New Zealand’s memorable triumph over India at home last year.
“We are not in a good position right now in terms of our Test status, and we are kind of low on the table, but we have to put that behind us and just worry about what’s ahead of us right now, and play each day, each game, one day at a time, one session at a time, and just try to learn the conditions as fast as possible,” Chase said.
“Obviously, New Zealand came last year and dominated India, so we are really trying to learn from what they did and put some of that stuff in place so that we can play good cricket, compete, and try to win the series…”
While acknowledging the challenge ahead, Chase struck a note of optimism. Following a week-long camp in Ahmedabad, he said the players are more confident of adapting to the conditions and putting India under pressure.
“India is mainly a spin-based (dominated) country, but I saw the pitch yesterday (Tuesday) and it does look a bit green, so we don’t know what it will be yet. Everyone has been preparing well so far. It’s been a bit hot, so that’s been a bit of a stumbling block for us so far, but guys have been doing well,” he said.
“We are coming in as the underdogs, and we have nothing to lose. That makes us quite a dangerous side. You can just go and play freely because everyone is expecting us to lose.”
Published on Oct 01, 2025