New Delhi: West Indies announced their 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 on Monday, appointing Shai Hope as the team captain. Notably, left-handed opener Evin Lewis has been left out of the squad. The tournament is scheduled to begin on 7 February and will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Team Selection and Key Omissions
Evin Lewis was excluded following his disappointing performance against Afghanistan. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has also been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The 15-member squad includes 11 players who represented West Indies in the 2024 home World Cup. This team will also feature in the upcoming three-match T20 series against South Africa from 27 to 31 January.
West Indies’ Group and Schedule
Two-time champions West Indies have been placed in Group C alongside Scotland, England, Nepal, and Italy. The Caribbean side will commence their campaign against Scotland on 7 February at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Subsequent matches are scheduled against England on 11 February, Nepal on 15 February, and Italy on 19 February.
Squad Composition and Player Highlights
Openers Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer, and Brandon King, who featured in the UAE series, form the top order. The pace bowling attack has seen minimal changes. Explosive batsman Quinton Sampson has earned a place in the World Cup squad, credited to his impressive performances in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League, where he scored 241 runs in nine innings for Guyana Amazon Warriors. However, Sampson managed only 35 runs across three T20 matches against Afghanistan.
All-rounders Rostan Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford return to the team after missing the Afghanistan series. Former captain Jason Holder and Rovman Powell, along with Romario Shepherd, have also been recalled. Despite injuries preventing him from touring India and playing the Bangladesh ODI series, fast bowler Shamar Joseph has made a comeback and will lead the pace attack alongside Holder, Matthew Forde, and Jayden Seales. The spin bowling responsibilities will be managed by Hosein, Chase, and Gudakesh Motie.
West Indies T20 World Cup Squad: Shai Hope (Captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Rostan Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quinton Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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