West Indies squad for India tour 2026: Roster, strategy and match dates

The West Indies have officially released their squad for the September 2026 tour of India, a crucial test that will shape their quest for World Cup glory. ICC confirmed that the series will feature three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty‑20 Internationals (T20Is) starting on 27 September in Thiruvananthapuram.

Squad announcement and key selections

Shai Hope has been handed the captaincy for both formats, a move that signals the coaching staff’s intent to give the young all‑rounder a leadership role early on. The ODI side is built around a blend of experience and emerging talent, with players such as Jewel Andrew, John Campbell and Roston Chase leading the charge. In the T20I squad, the standout inclusion is uncapped opener Kamil Pooran, whose explosive CPL 2026 campaign earned him a spot on the team.

Match schedule and format

India will host the West Indies in a 3‑ODI series that begins on 27 September in Thiruvananthapuram, followed by a 5‑match T20I series that will take place across various Indian venues. While the exact dates for the remaining matches are yet to be published, the structure of the tour provides ample opportunity for the West Indies to test different line‑ups against a world‑class batting side.

Strategic focus under Daren Sammy

Head coach Daren Sammy has framed the tour as a “critical preparation” for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup. He believes that playing against the top‑ranked side in India will allow the Windies to fine‑tune their game plans and assess new players in high‑pressure situations. The series also serves as a platform to build confidence ahead of the next global tournaments.

Player highlights and absences

While Jason Holder, the veteran all‑rounder, has been rested for the entire tour, the squad includes fresh faces such as Kamil Pooran (ODI debutant) and Shimron Hetmyer, who has been selected exclusively for the T20I series. John Campbell returns to the ODI set‑up after missing the final two matches of the recent New Zealand series. The inclusion of these players reflects a mix of experience and youthful exuberance.

Why this series matters for India fans

India’s fans are keen to see how the West Indies will adapt to sub‑continental conditions. With the series scheduled just before the 2027 World Cup, the Windies are looking to cement a core group that can compete on the world stage. The tour also offers Indian spectators a chance to witness a blend of tactical innovation and raw talent from the Caribbean.

Google Trends data shows a sharp spike in search interest for “West Indies” in India over the past 24 hours, indicating a growing curiosity about the upcoming matches. Google Trends

Format	Captain	Notable Inclusions	Key Absences
ODI	Shai Hope	John Campbell, Roston Chase	Jason Holder
T20I	Shai Hope	Kamil Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer	Jason Holder