Kamil Pooran has secured his first international call-up for the West Indies following a standout debut season in the Caribbean Premier League. Playing for the Saint Lucia Kings, Pooran recorded 273 runs across eight matches at an impressive strike rate of 159.34. His inclusion highlights a squad adjustment for the upcoming five-match T20I series, which will also feature the return of batter Quentin Sampson and all-rounder Keemo Paul.
The team will be without veteran all-rounder Jason Holder for the T20Is, as he is rested for the tour. Meanwhile, Shimron Hetmyer has been granted an extended recovery period following his CPL commitments, allowing him to miss the ODI leg of the tour, scheduled between September 27 and October 3. Cricket West Indies emphasized that Hetmyer remains fully committed to their 50-over strategy and is expected to join the T20I squad for the matches starting October 6.
The ODI squad retains a familiar core, similar to the group that faced New Zealand in July. Jewel Andrew, 19, has been called up to both the ODI and T20I squads, filling the void left by Ackeem Auguste, who remains sidelined after undergoing surgery last month. Additionally, opener John Campbell makes a return to the ODI setup after missing his previous appearances due to injury. Brandon King is also noted as an absentee from this selection.
While the second ODI on September 30 marks the end of the current cycle for automatic World Cup qualification, West Indies are already slated to play in the upcoming qualifying tournament. Despite this, head coach Daren Sammy is placing significant emphasis on the India tour, which begins with the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram. Sammy noted that the matches against a top-tier opponent provide a vital opportunity to refine team performance and evaluate players for long-term roles leading toward the 2027 World Cup.
The ODI squad for the tour includes 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, and Jayden Seales. The T20I group is comprised of 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, and Shamar Springer. The report also notes that last featuring in the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, the former captain hasn’t played an ODI in over three years anyway. The report also notes that the ODI squad retains a largely familiar look to the one that went down 3-2 to New Zealand in July. The report also notes that in his place, the selectors have recalled the 19-year old Jewel Andrew, who has also been included in the T20 squad. The report also notes that however, and will have to play next year’s Qualifiers, west Indies will be unable to make the cut irrespective of the outcome of the first two games.
