Hetmyer to Miss India ODIs; Kamil Pooran Earns Maiden West Indies T20I Call-Up

West Indies have announced their squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of India, with several notable selection decisions made ahead of the three-match ODI and five-match T20I series.

Shimron Hetmyer has been given an extended recovery period following the Caribbean Premier League and will miss the ODI series. However, the experienced batter remains part of the T20I squad and is expected to join the team for the shorter-format matches.

The biggest addition to the T20I group is opener Kamil Pooran, who has received his maiden international call-up after an impressive first season in the Caribbean Premier League.

Hetmyer to Miss Three ODIs

Hetmyer has been permitted additional recovery time after his CPL campaign and will therefore not be available for West Indies' three ODIs against India.

The ODI matches are scheduled for September 27, September 30 and October 3. Cricket West Indies has confirmed that Hetmyer remains committed to the team's 50-over plans and will return for the five-match T20I series.

His T20I return is scheduled to begin from October 6, when West Indies face India in the opening match of the series in Lucknow.

Kamil Pooran Gets His First International Chance

The major development in the T20I squad is the inclusion of Kamil Pooran. The opening batter has been rewarded for his performances during the 2026 Caribbean Premier League, where he represented Saint Lucia Kings.

Pooran scored 273 runs in eight CPL innings at a strike rate of 159.34, giving the selectors enough evidence to hand him his first opportunity at international level.

His CPL campaign included two half-centuries, and he finished with an average of 39 according to Cricket West Indies' squad announcement.

A New Option at the Top of the Order

Pooran's selection gives West Indies another option for the opening position as the team continues to build towards future T20 competitions. His aggressive scoring during the CPL made him an attractive candidate for the five-match series against India.

The opportunity also gives the 30-year-old batter a chance to translate his domestic T20 performances to the international stage. His List A and first-class experience provides additional background, but the upcoming series will be his first exposure to senior international cricket.

Quentin Sampson Returns to the T20I Squad

Kamil Pooran is not the only change to the T20I group. Batter Quentin Sampson has also been recalled after being part of West Indies' squad at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India.

All-rounder Keemo Paul has also returned to the T20I setup, providing another option who can contribute in both departments.

Jason Holder Rested for the T20Is

Jason Holder has been rested for the five-match T20I series. The experienced all-rounder remains an important part of the West Indies setup, but the selectors have opted to manage his workload for this tour.

Holder has not played an ODI for West Indies since the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe. His absence from the T20I squad means the visitors will have to use other players to cover his all-round capabilities.

Jewel Andrew Included in Both Squads

Teenage batter Jewel Andrew has been selected for both the ODI and T20I squads. He comes into the group after Ackeem Auguste was ruled out while continuing his rehabilitation following surgery.

Andrew is expected to provide additional batting depth and represents part of West Indies' effort to introduce younger players into the senior setup.

John Campbell Returns for the ODIs

Opener John Campbell has also returned to the ODI squad after missing the final two matches of the recent series against New Zealand because of a hamstring injury.

His return strengthens the top order ahead of the three-match ODI assignment against India, with Shai Hope continuing as captain.

West Indies Face India Across Eight Cities

The tour will begin with the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. The second ODI will be played in Guwahati on September 30, followed by the third match in New Chandigarh on October 3.

The five-match T20I series will then begin in Lucknow on October 6 before moving to Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The final T20I is scheduled for October 17.

ODI World Cup Qualification Adds Importance

The first two ODIs against India will bring the current cycle for automatic qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup to an end.

West Indies cannot move high enough in the qualification standings regardless of the results of those matches and will therefore have to go through the qualification tournament next year.

Sammy Looks Toward 2027

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy said the India series provides an opportunity to assess players who are taking on important roles within the ODI team.

The focus is not limited to the immediate results. The coaching staff also wants to use the series to improve the side and identify players who can contribute to the team's longer-term plans for the 2027 World Cup.

T20I Squad Looks Toward the Next Cycle

The T20I selections also reflect a longer-term approach. With Kamil Pooran receiving his first call-up and Quentin Sampson returning, West Indies are continuing to expand their pool of players ahead of the next T20 World Cup cycle.

The India series will provide those players with a demanding international challenge against a strong home side, while experienced names such as Hetmyer will provide continuity within the group.

West Indies Squads for India Tour

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 and Jayden Seales.

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 and Shamar Springer.

A Major Opportunity for Pooran

The India tour could mark an important stage in Kamil Pooran's career. After producing a strong CPL campaign, he now has the opportunity to test himself against an international attack and compete for a regular place in the West Indies T20I setup.

At the same time, Hetmyer's return for the T20Is gives West Indies an experienced left-handed batting option after his decision to take additional recovery time following the CPL.

Tour Begins on September 27

The first ODI between India and West Indies will be played in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. The ODI leg will be followed by five T20Is, with the final match scheduled in Bengaluru on October 17.

For West Indies, the tour combines immediate international competition with opportunities to develop players for the next major tournaments. For Kamil Pooran in particular, the T20I series represents the first step into international cricket after his breakthrough CPL campaign.