Kamil Earns First T20I Call-Up as West Indies Name Squads for India Tour

West Indies have announced their squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of India, with Shai Hope set to captain the side in both the ODI and T20I series.

The Caribbean team will play three ODIs and five T20Is from September 27 to October 18 across eight venues. The West Indies will face the world’s No. 1-ranked team in both formats. The ODI squad largely retains the group that featured in the recent home series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

John Campbell returns to the ODI squad after missing the final two matches against New Zealand with a hamstring injury. Shimron Hetmyer has also been recalled to the T20I squad after being given an extended recovery period following the Caribbean Premier League.

Kamil Pooran Gets Maiden T20I Call-Up

Opening batter Kamil Pooran has received his first T20I call-up following an impressive CPL campaign.

The right-hander scored 273 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 159.64 and an average of 39. His performances have earned him a place in a T20I squad being prepared with the 2028 T20 World Cup in mind.

Quentin Sampson, who was part of the West Indies squad at the T20 World Cup earlier this year in India, has also been selected.

Jason Holder has been rested for the India tour. Head coach Daren Sammy said the T20I squad reflects the team’s long-term plans.

“We are looking to build on the momentum from our series win against Sri Lanka, with the long-term goal of developing a strong core of players ahead of the next T20 World Cup,” Sammy said.

“The challenge of playing against the World Champions at home will provide valuable preparation, allowing us to continue improving and developing both individually and as a collective unit.”

Campbell Back in ODI Squad

Campbell has been recalled after missing the final two ODIs against New Zealand due to his hamstring injury.

Ackeem Auguste will miss the India tour as he continues his rehabilitation following surgery in August. Jewel Andrew has been added to the ODI squad as his replacement and can provide cover in the top and middle order.

Hetmyer, who played in the final two ODIs against New Zealand, has been allowed additional recovery time after the CPL and will join the squad for the T20I series.

India Series Important for World Cup Preparation

The first two ODIs against India will conclude the automatic qualification cycle for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

West Indies cannot overtake their nearest rivals in the qualification standings, regardless of the results in India, and will therefore have to compete in the qualification tournament early next year.

Sammy said the series would give the ODI side an opportunity to assess players and sharpen its preparations for the next phase.

“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,” Sammy said.

“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.”

West Indies Squads

ODI: 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: 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 West Indies squad will depart the Caribbean on September 21 and is scheduled to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on September 23 ahead of the India tour.