West Indies unveil ODI and T20I squads for India tour – fresh faces, key rests and a shot at the 2027 World Cup

Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed on Thursday the players who will travel to India for a four‑match ODI series followed by a five‑match T20 International showdown. The selections mix familiar names with a few youngsters, reflecting a squad that’s still finding its balance ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

In the T20I camp, 19‑year‑old Kamil Pooran got the nod for the first time at senior level. The youngster lit up the Caribbean Premier League for the Saint Lucia Kings, amassing 273 runs in eight games at a striking 159.34 strike‑rate. His form earned him a place alongside the recalled Quentin Sampson and the all‑rounder Keemo Paul.

Jason Holder, the seasoned all‑rounder who has been a backbone of the West Indies T20 side, was deliberately rested for the series. He hasn’t featured in an ODI since the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, so the decision also gives him a breather after a busy spell.

Opener Shimron Hetmyer, fresh from a successful CPL stint, was given an “extended recovery period” and will miss the ODIs scheduled from 27 September to 3 October. CWI clarified that Hetmyer remains fully committed to the 50‑over game and will re‑join the T20 squad when it kicks off on 6 October.

The ODI lineup looks a lot like the one that fell 3‑2 to New Zealand in July. The notable absences are Ackeem Auguste, who is still rehabbing after surgery, and Brandon King, who wasn’t selected. In Auguste’s place, the selectors brought back 19‑year‑old Jewel Andrew, a player who also made the T20 roster.

John Campbell also returns after missing the New Zealand series with a niggling injury. The second ODI on 30 September will be the final match of the automatic qualification window for the 2027 World Cup in Africa. Unfortunately, West Indies have already missed the cut and will have to navigate the qualifying tournament next year.

Head coach Daren Sammy emphasized that, despite the stakes, the series offers a valuable chance to fine‑tune the side. “Playing against the top team in the world lets us test our strengths and identify where we need to improve,” Sammy said. “It also gives us a platform to assess players stepping into bigger roles as we aim for the 2027 World Cup.”

Here are the squads as announced:

ODI squad (12 matches): 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 (5 matches): 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.

The teams will set off for India next week, with the first ODI slated for Thiruvananthapuram on 27 September. Fans will be watching closely, hoping the West Indies can shake off recent disappointments and set a positive tone for the road ahead.