Kieron Pollard will lead a familiar squad in the T20I series against India in February as West Indies did not make any changes to the 16-man squad that was named to take on England at home.
West Indies are all set to play three ODIs and three T20Is in their visit to India. The tour will begin with the ODI series first. ODIs will be played in Ahmedabad and T20Is will be played in Kolkata. West Indies had announced their squad for the ODIs against India on January 27, and 11 players feature in both the limited-overs squads.
The 11 players constant in squads for both formats include Kieron Pollard, Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith and Hayden Walsh Jr.
Hetmyer still not fir, Lewis yet to return post-Covid infection
Shimron Hetmyer was once again not selected in the West Indies squad due to his fitness issues. Earlier this month, West Indies head coach Phil Simmons had slammed Hetmyer's attitude towards his fitness, saying it was "heart-wrenching" to see him fail to reach the minimum standard. On the other hand, Evin Lewis tested positive for Covid-19, ahead of the Ireland series. Lewis is yet to make a return for the men in maroon. This tour will be the first assignment for new West Indies chief selector Desmond Haynes.
"What we need to do is we need to put our arm around these guys and let them know that we are interested in their development... to also [make them] understand that there's a level of fitness that is required to play at international level," Haynes said. "But Hetmyer is in our plans. There's no question about it. Hetmyer was ill this month at the beginning of the year and obviously we've got a squad of people here who are doing well at present in the T20 tournament. So, we decided we will keep them for the tournament going to India," Haynes said
"This year both Evin and Hetmyer had illness and I think Evin was recovering from Covid," Haynes said. "I just want to let everybody know that Evin is still in our plans. Evin is not part of the T20 squad that was selected before I took on the role of a lead selector. We've done well against the England T20 team and I believe that it was right of us to give these guys a chance." Haynes added.
West Indies T20I squad: Kieron Pollard (capt), Nicholas Pooran (vice-capt), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Kyle Mayers, Hayden Walsh Jr
