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Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled its 15-man squad for the upcoming ODI series against India, with some notable inclusions and exclusions grabbing the attention of cricket fans worldwide.
The most eye-catching comeback in the squad is star batter Shimron Hetmyer, who makes a long-awaited return to the 50-over lineup. Hetmyer’s selection comes as a reward for his outstanding performances in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), where he showcased his batting prowess and proved to be in top form.
Having last played an ODI for the West Indies back in July 2021 against Australia, the left-hander’s recall is a testament to his dedication and hard work to regain his spot in the limited-overs side.
Alongside Hetmyer, the selectors have also opted to include fast bowler Oshane Thomas, who is expected to bolster the West Indies’ bowling attack. Furthermore, the return of Jayden Seales, Yannic Caria and Gudakesh Motie from injuries provides added depth and options for the team.
However, the absence of Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder from the 15-player squad has raised some eyebrows. Both players are unavailable for the series due to their commitments with franchise leagues, and their experience will undoubtedly be missed.
Nonetheless, under the leadership of Shai Hope, the Men in Maroon are gearing up to put up a tough fight against India, who are currently in the spotlight as they prepare to host the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup later this year.
Also READ: BCCI announces India’s ODI squad for West Indies tour
The three-match ODI series will kick off in Barbados on Thursday, July 27, and will undoubtedly be a crucial opportunity for India to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the global cricketing event.
For the West Indies, this series holds particular importance after they failed to qualify for the 50-over World Cup this year. Their inability to finish in the top two during the recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier tournament in Zimbabwe meant they missed out on a chance to compete in the prestigious event.
Meanwhiles, Windies chief selector Desmond Haynes is looking forward to the ODI series against India and believes Hetmyer and Thomas will perform well.
“We welcome Oshane and Shimron back into the group. Both have played at the international level before, with some success, and we believe they will fit well into the set-up,” Haynes said in his official statement.
“Oshane brings pace and is a potential wicket-taker with the new ball. Shimron’s style of batting will offer a lot especially in the middle stage of the innings and he is also a potential ‘finisher’.”
West Indies squad for India ODIs:
Shai Hope (c), Rovman Powell (vc), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas.
