After a disappointing 1975 World Cup, India was grouped with defending champions West Indies, New Zealand and Sri Lanka in 1979. This tournament too was played in a 60 over format. The Indians got off to a disastrous start losing to the West Indies by 9 wickets. Things did not get any better as they went down to New Zealand by 8 wickets in the next match.

The match a lot closer than what the score-line showed, but India failed to deliver when it mattered at crucial moments of the game. The Indians looked down and out and so it was not a surprise that could not even chase a mediocre target of 238 set by Sri Lanka, who was nothing more than minnows in those days. Thus, this World Cup was indeed a disastrous campaign for India.