India and the West Indies are set to renew their ODI rivalry in a three-match series beginning on September 27. The first match will be played at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by the second ODI in Guwahati and the third in New Chandigarh. All three matches are scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM IST.
India head into the series with Shubman Gill as captain, while Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have returned to the ODI setup. With the series forming part of India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, the upcoming games will provide an opportunity for several players to strengthen their claims.
Top 5 bowlers with best bowling figures in IND vs WI ODI history
1. Anil Kumble (India) – 6/12
Anil Kumble holds the record for the best bowling figures in an India vs West Indies ODI after producing a sensational 6/12 in the Hero Cup final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in 1993. The leg-spinner delivered a match-winning spell when the West Indies were chasing 226 and appeared capable of mounting a challenge. Kumble ran through the West Indies middle and lower order with a combination of variations and his trademark flipper. He finished with six wickets in just 6.1 overs, conceding only 12 runs. His remarkable spell helped India secure a 102-run victory in the final and remains the benchmark bowling performance in this ODI rivalry.
2. Patrick Patterson (West Indies) – 6/29
West Indies fast bowler Patrick Patterson produced the second-best bowling figures in the rivalry when he returned 6/29 against India in Nagpur in 1987. Known for his raw pace and intimidating approach, Patterson caused major problems for India’s batting lineup with his aggressive lengths and steep bounce. He completed his six-wicket haul in 9.4 overs and played a central role in bowling India out. The West Indies went on to win the match by 73 runs, while Patterson’s performance remains the best ODI bowling display by a West Indies bowler against India.
3. Viv Richards (West Indies) – 6/41
Viv Richards was better known for his destructive batting, but the West Indies great also produced a remarkable bowling performance against India in the Nehru Cup in Delhi in 1989. Richards picked up 6/41 in 9.4 overs with his right-arm off-spin. Defending a modest total of 196, Richards made the most of the conditions and repeatedly found ways to break India’s resistance. His spell derailed the chase and helped the West Indies register a 20-run victory.
4. Nikhil Chopra (India) – 5/21
Nikhil Chopra occupies fourth place after claiming 5/21 against the West Indies during the DMC Cup in Toronto in 1999. The off-spinner bowled with considerable control and used the conditions effectively to keep the West Indies batters under pressure. Chopra conceded only 21 runs in 6.2 overs while picking up five wickets. His spell played a major role in restricting the West Indies to a low total, allowing India to complete an 88-run victory.
5. Sanjeev Sharma (India) – 5/26
Sanjeev Sharma completes the top five after taking 5/26 against the West Indies during the Champions Trophy in Sharjah in 1988. The medium-pacer produced an impressive display of swing bowling against a formidable West Indies batting lineup. Sharma consistently moved the ball both ways and maintained enough accuracy to keep creating pressure. His five-wicket haul came from 7.3 overs and helped India restrict the West Indies to a manageable total.
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Current bowlers aiming to climb the all-time wicket charts
The upcoming series features several Indian bowlers who could add their names to the record books. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav provide India’s spin options, while Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj are among the specialist seamers named in the ODI squad. Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi have also earned places in the 15-member squad.
With three ODIs scheduled across Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati and New Chandigarh, the bowlers will have three opportunities to produce a standout spell. The series also comes as India continue to build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, making performances from both established and newer members of the attack particularly significant.
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