West Indies announce 16-member squad for T20Is against India and New Zealand

Cricket West Indies selection panel has named a 16-man squad for the T20I series against India and New Zealand. West Indies is all set to play five T20Is against India, starting Friday and subsequently, they will take on the Kiwis in a three-match series.

Shimron Hetmyer has earned a call back into the squad after a successful campaign while playing for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. The left-hander scored 314 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 153.92 and thus played an instrumental role in taking the franchise to the final of the tournament. The southpaw was earlier dropped from the squad due to fitness issues.

CWI chief selector Desmon Haynes welcomed back the left-hander into the Windies squad.

He said in the press release, “We welcome back Hetmyer and it is good to see him again in West Indies colors. 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.”

Haynes added that they are trying to build a squad for the T20 World Cup, which will take place later in the year in Australia.

“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.”

Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell hasn’t yet recovered from his injury and thus he would not be able to take part in both the series. Fabian Allen has pulled out of both the series due to personal reasons.

West Indies had given a good competition to India in the first two ODIs and they will look to come up with a better show in the shortest format.

West Indies squad for India and New Zealand T20Is: Nicholas Pooran (c), Rovman Powell (vc), 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.