(AFP Photo)
West Indies have revealed a 15-player squad for their upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa at home. Rovman Powell will captain the team, supported by Roston Chase as his vice-captain. Notably, the squad will be without key players Andre Russell, Jason Holder, and right-arm pacer Alzarri Joseph.
After competing for West Indies in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Andre Russell went on to play in the Major League Cricket in the USA and The Hundred in England.
Meanwhile, Jason Holder, who missed the T20 World Cup due to injury, featured in five consecutive Tests for West Indies against England and South Africa. According to a Cricket West Indies release, both players requested a rest for this series.
“Andre Russell requested a period of rest and recovery as well as Jason Holder who played five back-to-back five Tests against England and South Africa. During this period, they will work closely with the CWI science and medicine team,” the statement read.
Alzarri Joseph remains a significant omission, with his last appearance for West Indies being in the two-Test series against England in July.
West Indies coach Daren Sammy has stated that preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup have already begun and expressed complete confidence in the squad chosen for the upcoming T20Is against South Africa.
“Facing a strong South Africa side is an excellent opportunity for our team to reset and refocus with our game plan,” Sammy said. “We have played them recently and had mixed results, so this should be an exciting and important series. I’m confident in the squad we’ve selected, and with eyes already on the next T20 World Cup in 2026, I know the guys will be keen to show their hunger for success.”
West Indies Squad: Rovman Powell (captain), Roston Chase (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Fabian Allen, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd
