Big names left out as West Indies announce squad for white-ball series against Sri Lanka

In a significant development for West Indies cricket, several senior players, including Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein, and Shimron Hetmyer, have opted out of the T20I squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, citing personal reasons. This move opens the door for emerging talents and returning players to showcase their skills on an international stage.

The T20I series, set to kick off on October 13, 2024, will feature the return of Evin Lewis, who last donned the West Indies jersey during the T20 World Cup in 2022. Brandon King, recovering from a side injury, is also included, providing much-needed experience to the squad. Notably, all-rounders Terrance Hinds and Shamar Springer have received their maiden call-ups, indicating a strategic shift toward nurturing younger talent.

Alzarri Joseph, who was rested for the recent T20I series against South Africa, is part of the squad, while veteran all-rounder Jason Holder continues to be absent, having also been rested during the previous series. Rovman Powell will lead the T20I team, with Roston Chase stepping in as vice-captain.

Head coach Daren Sammy emphasized the importance of the tour, stating, "The tour of Sri Lanka gives us a chance to test our depth and assess players in different situations, especially with several senior players missing out for various reasons, including a need for rest and rehabilitation from injury. We are confident in the squad's ability to compete strongly against Sri Lanka."

In addition to the T20I squad, the West Indies ODI team has welcomed 17-year-old Jewel Andrew, an exciting wicketkeeper-batter from Antigua. The ODI side, led by Shai Hope with Alzarri Joseph as vice-captain, includes established players like Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford, alongside the promising Andrew.

"As we continue to build our ODI team, this tour offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate strategies and give opportunities to emerging talent. We are excited to see young players like Jewel Andrew, who has earned his place as an exciting prospect for the future," Sammy said.

The T20I series will take place in Dambulla, with matches scheduled for October 13, 15, and 17. The ODI series will follow, with games set for October 20, 23, and 26 in Pallekele.

West Indies T20I Squad:

Rovman Powell (c), Roston Chase (vc), Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer

West Indies ODI Squad: 

Shai Hope (c), Alzarri Joseph (vc), Jewel Andrew, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr