Ravichandran Ashwin Critiques West Indies' T20 World Cup Squad Decisions

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his disappointment regarding the West Indies' decision to leave out Nicholas Pooran and Sunil Narine from their T20 World Cup 2026 squad. Ashwin emphasized the importance of including these players and called for a reassessment of the West Indies' planning for the tournament. Despite recent struggles, the team aims to leverage the leadership of Shai Hope as they prepare to face tough competition in Group C, which includes defending champions India. The West Indies will begin their campaign against Scotland on February 7 in Kolkata.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 4, 2026, 22:08 IST

Ashwin's Disappointment Over Squad Selections

Ravichandran Ashwin, a former Indian cricketer, voiced his dissatisfaction regarding the West Indies' decision to omit Nicholas Pooran and Sunil Narine from their roster for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to commence on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. He stated, "It’s quite disappointing that the West Indies have not included Nicholas Pooran and Sunil Narine in their squad for this World Cup. It’s essential to engage with them and ensure their participation. How can the team enter the World Cup without these key players?" This commentary was shared on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin's Thoughts on West Indies' Strategy

Ashwin expressed his admiration for the West Indies cricket team, emphasizing the need for the board to reassess their strategies for World Cups. He remarked, "I have great respect for the West Indies. They possess immense talent. However, their planning and sometimes the infrastructure in the West Indies leave much to be desired. I believe West Indies cricket has significant potential, but they must reconsider their approach to World Cup preparations."

Recent Performance and Leadership Insights

Since their exit in the Super Eight stage of the last edition in 2024, the two-time champions have struggled, winning fewer matches than they have lost. Nevertheless, they enter the new tournament with optimism, particularly regarding the development of their captain, Shai Hope, who has emerged as a versatile T20 batsman. The West Indies have shown flashes of the aggressive play that once made them a formidable team in this format, despite often facing narrow defeats.

Tournament Overview and Group Details

Following the 2024 T20 World Cup, the West Indies have managed to secure only 14 victories out of 43 matches, with 27 losses and two matches resulting in no result. They are placed in Group C alongside the defending champions India, Nepal, Scotland, and Italy, kicking off their campaign against Scotland on February 7 in Kolkata.

West Indies T20 World Cup Squad

The squad for the T20 World Cup includes: Shai Hope (captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, and Romario Shepherd.