There was a time when the West Indies were the team to beat in T20 cricket. With two World Cup trophies and some of the most explosive players in history, they shaped the format in their own style — fearless, bold, and fun.
But now, things look very different. After their latest loss to Pakistan on August 1, 2025, the West Indies have managed just 2 wins in their last 19 completed T20Is. That’s not a slump — that’s a full-blown crisis.
The Numbers Paint a Bleak Picture
Since November 2023, the West Indies have:
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Lost T20I series to England, Australia, and most recently, Pakistan
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Suffered a 6-match losing streak, equaling their worst ever
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Dropped their overall T20I win percentage to around 45% (99 losses in 196 matches)
For a team that once set the tone for modern T20 cricket, these numbers are a major red flag.
The Only Two Wins
In this 19-match stretch, West Indies’ only victories came against:
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England, in a high-scoring thriller at home (Dec 2024)
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Ireland, during their 2025 mid-year tour
Both matches showed brief flashes of their old flair — some clean power-hitting, better field placements — but those moments have been far too rare.
What’s Going Wrong?
Several issues are contributing to this decline:
Lack of Squad Stability
Too many changes. The playing XI keeps shifting, making it hard to build chemistry.
Inconsistent Top Order
While players like Brandon King and Johnson Charles have shown promise, the top three overall remain inconsistent, putting too much pressure on the middle order.
Bowling at the Death
Death bowling has been unreliable, especially in tight chases or when defending modest totals.
Mental Lapses
In pressure moments, the team often slips — misfields, dropped catches, or poor shot selection cost them crucial games.
T20 Leagues Taking Priority?
One major factor in the West Indies’ decline is the rise of T20 franchise leagues. Many players now prioritise league contracts over international duty. Some, like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, have stepped back from national roles while staying active in leagues.
As a result:
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Full-strength squads are rare
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Young, inexperienced players are fast-tracked
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Long-term planning suffers
This issue isn’t new, but it’s getting harder to ignore.
The Shadow of Greatness
It’s tough to witness this fall when you consider the names the West Indies have produced:
Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Russell, Narine — all T20 icons.
They weren’t just entertainers. They were champions. They played with a clear identity and fierce belief. Today, the West Indies look like a team searching for both.
What Needs to Change?
Here’s what could help turn things around:
✅ Pick and back a core group: Build stability and partnerships.
✅ Leadership from seniors: Players like Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Jason Holder must step up.
✅ Prioritise national duty: Encourage a stronger commitment to West Indies cricket over leagues.
✅ Restore pride: The West Indies jersey should be a symbol of pride, not just a stepping stone to a franchise deal.
Final Word
Two wins from 19 matches isn’t just a poor stat — it’s a warning. The West Indies still have talent, no doubt. But until they find direction, discipline, and unity, they’ll continue to drift.
The team that once made T20 cricket thrilling and joyful now finds itself fighting just to stay relevant — and that, for cricket fans everywhere, is a painful thing to watch.
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