Shimron Hetmyer will skip the three-match ODI series and join the T20I squad from October 6, while Kamil Pooran earns his first international call-up.
By Vishal Jagtap3 Min Read
West Indies have announced their squads for the upcoming tour of India, with Shimron Hetmyer rested for the three-match ODI series. Hetmyer has been granted an extended recovery period following the Caribbean Premier League and will miss the ODIs, which begin on September 27 in Thiruvananthapuram and conclude on October 3. He is set to link up with the T20I squad when that series gets under way from October 6.
The selectors have also handed a first international call-up to Kamil Pooran, who impressed for Saint Lucia Kings in the CPL. Pooran scored 273 runs in eight outings at a strike rate of 159.34 and has been included in the T20I squad. Quentin Sampson and Keemo Paul have been recalled for the five-match T20I series, while Jason Holder has been rested from that format. Nineteen-year-old Jewel Andrew has been recalled and named in both the ODI and T20I squads.
The ODI squad carries a largely familiar look to the side that lost 3-2 to New Zealand in July. John Campbell returns after missing the last two New Zealand ODIs through injury, while Ackeem Auguste remains unavailable as he continues rehabilitation following surgery last month. Brandon King is also absent from the ODI squad. Shai Hope captains both sides.
What does the India ODI series mean for West Indies' World Cup hopes?
The three-match ODI series carries added significance beyond the result. The second ODI on September 30 marks the conclusion of the cycle for automatic qualification for next year's World Cup in Africa. West Indies were unable to make the automatic cut and will instead play in next year's Qualifiers.
"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," Darren Sammy was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Why is Kamil Pooran's call-up significant for the T20I series?
Kamil Pooran's inclusion marks a notable moment for West Indies' T20I planning ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle. His CPL numbers for Saint Lucia Kings, 273 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 159.34, made a strong case for his selection, and the selectors have moved quickly to reward that form with a first senior call-up.
Jason Holder's rest from the T20I squad and the recalls of Quentin Sampson and Keemo Paul indicate the selectors are using the five-match series to assess a wider pool of players. Holder last featured in an ODI during the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, and his absence from the T20I squad continues a period away from the shortest format at international level.
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.
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