Shimron Hetmyer has been spared for the three-match ODI series, as the West Indies have disclosed their squads for the forthcoming tour of India. Hetmyer will be absent from the ODIs, which commence in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27 and conclude on October 3, as he has been granted an extended recovery period following the Caribbean Premier League. He is scheduled to join the T20I squad when the series commences on October 6.
Additionally, Kamil Pooran has been granted his initial international call-up by the selectors, following his impressive performance for the Saint Lucia Kings in the CPL. Pooran has been selected for the T20I squad, having scored 273 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 159.34. Jason Holder has been excused from the five-match T20I series, while Quentin Sampson and Keemo Paul have been summoned. Jewel Andrew, who is nineteen years old, has been summoned and included in the ODI and T20I squads.
The ODI squad is largely reminiscent of the team that suffered a 3-2 defeat to New Zealand in July. Ackeem Auguste is currently unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation following surgery last month, while John Campbell has returned to the field after missing the last two New Zealand ODIs due to injury. Brandon King is also not included in the ODI squad. Shai Hope serves as the commander of both teams.
What are the implications of the India ODI series for the West Indies’ World Cup aspirations?
Additional significance is attached to the three-match ODI series in addition to the outcome. The cycle for automatic qualification for the World Cup in Africa next year concludes with the second ODI on September 30. The West Indies were unable to secure an automatic spot and will instead participate in the Qualifiers of the following year.
What is the significance of Kamil Pooran’s call-up for the T20I series?
The incorporation of Kamil Pooran in the West Indies’ T20I planning in anticipation of the 2027 World Cup cycle is a significant milestone. His CPL statistics for Saint Lucia Kings, which included 273 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 159.34, provided a compelling argument for his selection. As a result, the selectors have promptly rewarded him with his first senior call-up.
Selectors are employing the five-match series to evaluate a broader array of players, as evidenced by Jason Holder’s absence from the T20I squad and the recalls of Quentin Sampson and Keemo Paul. Holder has not played an ODI since the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, and his absence from the T20I squad extends his absence from the shortest format at the international level.
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The complete roster for the 2026 West Indies tour of India is as follows:
ODI squad:
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.
T20I squad:
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.
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