New Delhi: West Indies on Thursday announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against India. Shimron Hetmyer, who last played for the West Indies in the T20 World Cup 2021, has returned to the national team, Sheldon Cottrell is recovering from an injury and Fabian Allen is out due to personal reasons. The same 16-member squad will play the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand.
The India vs West Indies T20 series will begin on July 29, while the last match of the series will be played on August 7. West Indies will then play a three-match T20 series against New Zealand from August 10 to 14.
Chief selector Desmond Haynes said: 'We welcome Hetmyer back and it's great to see him again in the colors of the West Indies. He will strengthen the batting group and with his experience and adaptability, we have a 'finisher' who can add value to the team and win matches and make supporters happy.'
He further said, 'Whatever we do we have to keep in mind that we have a big tournament at the end of this year, which is the ICC T20 World Cup. That's why we are planning. It is good to give players some experience on the international stage and find the right combination.'
West Indies squad for T20I series against India: Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Rovman Powell (Vice Captain), Shamrah Brooks, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akil Hossein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Meyers, Obed McCoy , Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odeon Smith, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.