The West Indies cricket team has revealed its provisional 15-man squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against India. The squad includes the return of Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, and Oshane Thomas as the team aims to experiment with different combinations ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The series, scheduled to be played from August 3 to 13, will serve as vital preparation for the global event, which will take place in the Caribbean and the USA.
Squad Selection and Exclusions: West Indies selectors have recalled Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, and Oshane Thomas to bolster the T20I squad. Notable exclusions from the previous series include Shamarh Brooks, Raymon Reifer, Yannic Cariah, and Sheldon Cottrell. The squad will be trimmed to a 13-member team for each game before a final playing XI is announced.
Focus on the T20 World Cup: Lead selector Desmond Haynes highlighted the squad’s selection with an eye on the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The team management aims to explore various combinations and build a winning unit in preparation for the global event, which is just under a year away. With several match-winners in the lineup, the West Indies look forward to starting their preparations in the series against India.
Performance in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL): Selectors have kept an eye on the performances of players in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League, starting on August 17. Depending on the performances in the T20 league, other players might come into contention for future selections, offering additional opportunities for talent to shine.
Player Returns and Recent Form: Shimron Hetmyer returns to the T20I squad after a year’s absence. He had previously faced exclusion due to form and fitness issues but impressed in the Major League Cricket MLC for Seattle Orcas and the IPL for Rajasthan Royals this year. Shai Hope, the West Indies ODI captain, also makes a comeback after more than a year since his last T20I appearance. His inclusion adds depth to the batting lineup. Oshane Thomas, who last played a T20I in December 2021, returns after a hiatus from international cricket.
Fixtures and Venues: The five T20Is between West Indies and India will be played in different venues across the Caribbean and the USA. The series kicks off on August 3 in Tarouba, followed by two games in Providence on August 6 and 8. The series then concludes in Lauderhill, Florida, with matches on August 12 and 13.
West Indies Squad for T20I Series against India:
- Rovman Powell (capt)
- Kyle Mayers (vice-capt)
- Johnson Charles
- Roston Chase
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Jason Holder
- Shai Hope
- Akeal Hosein
- Alzarri Joseph
- Brandon King
- Obed McCoy
- Nicholas Pooran
- Romario Shepherd
- Odean Smith
- Oshane Thomas
The inclusion of Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, and Oshane Thomas brings a boost of talent and experience to the West Indies T20I squad ahead of the series against India. With an eye on the 2024 T20 World Cup, the team management seeks to find the right combinations and build a competitive unit for the upcoming global event. Fans eagerly anticipate thrilling contests as West Indies and India lock horns in a series that promises exciting cricket action.
