West Indies rest key players for T20I series against South Africa

The West Indies have announced their 15-player squad for this week's T20I series at home against South Africa. The three-game series will serve as a crucial preparatory opportunity for many players ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to begin next month.

With regular captain Rovman Powell being rested, batter Brandon King will take on the role of skipper. Other notable absentees include top-order batsmen Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran, who will also be resting after their extended participation in the IPL. 

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and key batter Sherfane Rutherford will remain with their IPL teams for the playoffs and will join the West Indies squad only if their IPL teams do not reach the final.

Chief selector Desmond Haynes emphasized the importance of the series against South Africa, highlighting that it provides players with a final chance to secure their spots in the West Indies squad for their T20 World Cup opener against Papua New Guinea on June 2.

"These are among the last competitive T20 International matches before the start of the World Cup," Haynes said.

"Players have the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and ensure they are as prepared as they can be for the World Cup, whether they are in the final squad or reserve pool," he further added.

West Indies coach Daren Sammy echoed Haynes' sentiments, noting that the series will help the team to work on their combinations and build momentum heading into the World Cup.

“We have not played together as a team since the Australia series, but we just completed a very high-intensity training camp in Antigua. Now we have the chance to integrate some of our players returning from the IPL and build some momentum as a group going into the World Cup," Sammy said.

West Indies squad:
Brandon King (c), Roston Chase, Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.

Series schedule:
First T20I, Jamaica, May 23
Second T20I, Jamaica, May 25
Third T20I, Jamaica, May 26