West Indies have announced their squads for the upcoming tour of India, with uncapped opener Kamil Pooran earning his maiden international call-up after an impressive Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign for Saint Lucia Kings. Pooran’s inclusion headlines a number of changes across the West Indies’ ODI and T20I squads, with the selectors also recalling Quentin Sampson and Keemo Paul for the five-match T20I series.

Kamil Pooran rewarded for impressive CPL campaign

Pooran’s first international opportunity comes after a productive debut season in the CPL. The opener scored 273 runs in eight appearances for Saint Lucia Kings, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 159.34. His ability to score quickly has now earned him a place in the West Indies T20I squad for the India tour. Pooran will be joined by fellow recalls Sampson and Paul, as the Caribbean side looks to build its options ahead of the five-match series.

The T20I squad will be led by Shai Hope and also includes established names such as Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Akeal Hosein and Romario Shepherd. Jason Holder, however, has been rested for the series. Holder has remained an important part of the West Indies T20I setup, making his absence a notable change from recent squads.

Familiar ODI core retained despite key absences

The ODI squad largely retains the group that featured in the five-match series against New Zealand in July, which West Indies lost 3-2. However, there are some significant changes to the personnel. Ackeem Auguste has been left out as he continues his rehabilitation following surgery last month. His absence has opened the door for 19-year-old Jewel Andrew, who has also been selected in the T20I squad.

John Campbell returns to the ODI setup after missing the final two matches against New Zealand because of injury. The squad otherwise features experienced players including captain Hope, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Alzarri Joseph and Sherfane Rutherford. Paul is another notable inclusion, featuring in both squads for the India tour.

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Shimron Hetmyer given extended recovery period

Hetmyer will miss the ODI leg of the tour after being granted an extended recovery period following the CPL. The ODIs are scheduled to take place between September 27 and October 3, but Hetmyer is expected to return for the T20I series beginning October 6.

Cricket West Indies stated that Hetmyer remains committed to the team’s 50-over plans despite missing the upcoming ODI matches.

The second ODI on September 30 will also mark the end of the automatic qualification cycle for next year’s World Cup in Africa. West Indies, however, cannot qualify directly regardless of the results of their first two matches against India and will instead have to compete in next year’s Qualifiers.

West Indies ODI squad: Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Vitel Lawes, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales.

West Indies T20I squad: Shai Hope (captain), Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Kamil Pooran, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer

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