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Shai Hope to Lead West Indies in T20 World Cup, Evin Lewis Dropped

The West Indies have announced their squad for the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup, with Shai Hope appointed as captain. The experienced squad sees several changes from the team that recently played Afghanistan, including the recall of former captains Jason Holder and Rovman Powell. Notable omissions are opener Evin Lewis, following a poor series, and injured fast bowler Alzarri Joseph. The 15-man squad will begin its campaign in Group C against Scotland on February 7 in Kolkata.

Key Points: West Indies T20 World Cup Squad: Shai Hope Captain, Lewis Omitted

  • Shai Hope named captain
  • Evin Lewis omitted from squad
  • Jason Holder and Rovman Powell recalled
  • Squad features 11 players from 2024 home World Cup
2 min read

Shai Hope named West Indies captain for T20 World Cup, Evin Lewis ignored

West Indies name Shai Hope as captain for T20 World Cup. Squad features recalls for Holder, Powell; Evin Lewis and Alzarri Joseph miss out.

"Shai Hope to captain a side vastly different from the one that faced Afghanistan - Report"

New Delhi, Jan 26

Two-time champions West Indies named an experienced squad on Monday for the Men's T20 World Cup, starting on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, with Shai Hope to captain a side vastly different from the one that faced Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Batters Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer, and Brandon King are the only top-order players carried over from the UAE series, though the pace bowling unit remains largely unchanged. Hard-hitting Guyanese batter Quentin Sampson has earned selection despite managing just 35 runs across three innings in T20Is.

Sampson, 25, was backed on the strength of his 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) form, where he scored 241 runs in nine innings for Guyana Amazon Warriors at a strike rate of 151.57 to finish as the franchise's third-highest run-getter.

All-rounders Roston Chase, Akeal Hosein, and Sherfane Rutherford return after missing the series against Afghanistan, while former captains Jason Holder and Rovman Powell have been recalled alongside Romario Shepherd. The squad for the T20 World Cup will also participate in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.

Fast bowler Shamar Joseph has been included despite missing the Test tour of India and the ODI series against Bangladesh due to injuries. He will be part of a pace attack featuring Holder, Matthew Forde, and Jayden Seales, with spin led by Hosein and supported by Chase and Gudakesh Motie.

The 15-man squad features 11 players from the side that competed at the home World Cup in 2024. Left-handed opener Evin Lewis, who had a disappointing outing against Afghanistan, has been omitted alongside fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who has missed out on the mega event due to injury.

West Indies are placed in Group C alongside Scotland, England, Nepal, and Italy, and will open their campaign against Scotland on February 7 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, before taking on England (February 11), Nepal (February 15), and Italy (February 19).

West Indies squad: Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, and Romario Shepherd

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Excited for the World Cup in India and SL! 🏏 Shamar Joseph is back, that's great news for their pace attack. But honestly, the squad looks a bit inconsistent. Picking Sampson based on CPL over proven performers? Big gamble.
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Rohit P
As an Indian fan, I'm just happy to see a strong West Indies team. Cricket needs them to be competitive. Their group is interesting – England match in Kolkata will be a blockbuster! Hope the pitches are good.
S
Sarah B
Interesting selections. Holder and Powell's experience will be crucial. But omitting a power-hitter like Lewis, especially on subcontinent grounds where sixes are key, is a puzzling move. The balance seems off.
V
Vikram M
They have to back current form, I guess. Lewis had his chance and didn't perform. Sampson deserves his shot. My only worry is the spin department against Asian teams. Hosein and Motie will have to bowl really well.
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Michael C
Respectfully, the selection committee seems confused. You recall experienced players but drop an experienced opener. The squad has talent, but the strategy isn't clear. Hope they prove me wrong and play some exciting cricket!

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