West Indies have announced a 16-member squad for the five T20Is against India, starting on Friday (July 29). Nicholas Pooran will continue to lead the team, with Rovman Powell being his deputy. 

Shimron Hetmyer has been recalled to the team after he cleared his fitness test, he last represented the West Indies in the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE. Evin Lewis, however, was ignored again after he failed to complete his fitness test that was arranged during his IPL stint with Lucknow Super Giants.

Sheldon Cottrell and Fabian Allen were not available for selection, with the former recovering from an injury and the latter due to personal reasons.

Lead Selector, Desmond Haynes said: “We welcome back Hetmyer and it is good to see him again in West Indies colours. He will fortify the batting group and with his experience and adaptability we have a ‘finisher’ who can add value and win matches for the team and delight the supporters,”

He added, “Everything we do, we have to take into consideration we have a big tournament coming up later this year, which is the ICC T20 World Cup, so we are planning and gearing up towards that event. It is good to give the players some exposure to the international stage and look to find the right combinations.”

The same team will play the three-match T20I series against New Zealand, which follows after the five India T20Is. An official squad of 13 players will be nominated ahead of each match.

FULL SQUAD:

Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Rovman Powell (Vice Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.