West Indies have announced their squads for the upcoming tour of India, with Shimron Hetmyer rested for the three-match ODI series and uncapped batsman Kamil Pooran earning his first international call-up. The ODI series begins on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, while the five-match T20I series begins on October 6.
Hetmyer has been given an extended recovery break after the Caribbean Premier League and will return to play for the T20I leg of the tour. Pooran's stunning CPL campaign for the Saint Lucia Kings has earned him a place in the T20I squad, having scored 273 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 159.34.
Quentin Sampson and Keemo Paul have been recalled for the T20I series, while Jason Holder has been rested. Nineteen-year-old Jewel Andrew makes a return appearance and has been included in both squads. Shai Hope will lead West Indies in both formats.
West Indies ODI squad faces crucial World Cup qualification challenge
The ODI squad is largely the same team that was beaten 3-2 by New Zealand in July, although John Campbell returns having missed the final two matches of that series with injury, while Ackeem Auguste remains out as he completes his recovery from surgery last month.
Brandon King has not been selected for the ODI squad, while the selectors have kept a blend of established and emerging players. The three-match series against India will give West Indies a chance to test themselves against one of the game's elite teams.
The second ODI, on September 30, is the deadline for automatic qualification for West Indies' 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa, and West Indies have failed to qualify automatically for the tournament and will have to compete in next year's Qualifiers.
Head coach Darren Sammy said the series was a vital opportunity to prepare the team for the next stages of their World Cup campaign.
Also read: Stephen Fleming reveals what England must change after Brendon McCullum's Test tenure
“Playing against the top team in the world presents us with a chance to fine-tune and improve our performances as an ODI team which has seen quality performances across the cycle. The series also creates a valuable platform to assess players who are stepping into important roles for this series with a long-term target of competing in the World Cup in 2027,” Sammy was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
The series assessment will therefore be a crucial opportunity for West Indies as they look to bolster their ODI setup ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers.
Kamil Pooran rewarded for CPL form ahead of T20I series
Kamil Pooran's selection marks a crucial step in West Indies' T20I planning. The Saint Lucia Kings batsman performed well in the CPL, hitting 273 runs in eight appearances at a strike rate of 159.34.
His performances have earned him a maiden senior international call-up, allowing the selectors to gauge his prospects at the top level.
The T20I squad also welcomes back Quentin Sampson and Keemo Paul, while Jason Holder has been rested for the series. The changes suggest that West Indies are continuing to probe a wider pool of players as they prepare for future T20I tournaments.
Jewel Andrew's inclusion in both squads also offers the teenager a second opportunity to progress his international career.
Holder's absence from the T20I squad comes at a time when he has had limited involvement in international cricket in the format. He last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.
West Indies full squad for India tour 2026
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.