West Indies Unveils Squads for Upcoming India Tour
West Indies Announce Squads for India Tour
Cricket West Indies has revealed its squads for the upcoming three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five T20 International matches against India, scheduled from September 27 to October 18 across eight different cities.
Led by Shai Hope, the teams will compete against the world's top-ranked side in both formats. The ODI squad maintains the core group of players who participated in the recent home series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, as stated on the CWI website.
John Campbell makes a return to the squad after missing the last two ODIs against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury. Ackeem Auguste has been ruled out of the tour as he continues his recovery following surgery in August, with Jewel Andrew stepping in as a batting option for both top and middle order.
Shimron Hetmyer, who played in the final two matches of the New Zealand series, remains committed but has been granted an extended recovery period after the CPL and will join the squad for the T20 series.
World Cup Qualification Context
The initial two matches of this series will conclude the cycle for automatic qualification to the ICC Men’s 50-Over World Cup. However, irrespective of the outcomes, the West Indies will not be able to surpass their closest competitors in the qualification standings and will thus participate in the ICC’s qualification tournament early next year.
Despite this, Head Coach Daren Sammy emphasized the significance of these matches.
He stated, 'Competing against the top team in the world gives us an opportunity to refine and enhance our performances as an ODI team, which has shown quality throughout the cycle.'
'This series also serves as a crucial platform to evaluate players stepping into key roles with a long-term goal of competing in the World Cup in 2027,' Sammy added.
T20I Squad and Long-Term Goals
In terms of the T20I squad, promising opening batter Kamil Pooran has received his first call-up, showcasing a strategic approach to identify and nurture emerging talent ahead of the 2028 T20 World Cup. Pooran has scored 273 runs in eight innings, boasting an impressive strike rate of 159.64 and an average of 39.
Quentin Sampson, who was part of the ICC T20 World Cup squad earlier this year in India, has also been included, while all-rounder Jason Holder will be rested for this series.
The Head Coach discussed the squad's composition, which has been carefully assembled with a focus on long-term objectives.
'We aim to build on the momentum from our series victory against Sri Lanka, with the long-term goal of establishing a strong core of players ahead of the next T20 World Cup. Facing the World Champions at home will provide essential preparation, enabling us to continue improving both individually and as a team,' Sammy remarked.
The squad is set to depart the Caribbean on September 21 and will arrive in Trivandrum on September 23.
Complete Squad Lists
West Indies ODI Squad Against India: Shai Hope (Captain), Jewel Andrew, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales.
West Indies T20I Squad Against India: Shai Hope (Captain), Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Kamil Pooran, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.