West Indies have largely stuck with their established core for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but injuries, retirements and one bold batting call ensure there are a few big selection stories worth unpacking.
Check all squads for T20 World Cup 2026 here.
(updated on Feb 7, 2026)
West Indies Squad For T20 World Cup 2026
Shai Hope (c), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.
Alzarri Joseph ruled out due to injury
The most significant absence is Alzarri Joseph, who misses the tournament through injury. Joseph has been one of West Indies’ premier fast bowlers across formats, and his absence slightly thins their express pace options. With all of West Indies’ group games set to be played in India and Sri Lanka, the management appear to have accepted the trade-off, backing control and adaptability over raw speed.
“We know how much of an impactful player he is in all three formats,” skipper Shai Hope said of Alzarri’s absence from West Indies squad for T20 World Cup 2026.
“He’s one of our main fast bowlers in West Indies cricket currently… We’ve missed him for quite some time now. Having said that, we’ve also got the firepower of Shamar with his pace as well.”
Shamar Joseph gets a major World Cup opportunity
With Alzarri unavailable, the spotlight shifts to Shamar Joseph, who has quickly become one of the most talked-about fast bowlers in world cricket. Known for his steep bounce and aggression, Joseph is expected to shoulder more responsibility than ever in a West Indies T20 setup that otherwise leans heavily on spin and all-rounders. This World Cup could define his white-ball trajectory.
Evin Lewis left out despite experience
One of the more surprising omissions is Evin Lewis, a proven T20 opener with World Cup pedigree. Instead West Indies have gone with Johnson Charles despite his recent average returns in the format. Lewis’ exclusion suggests the selectors are prioritising middle-order flexibility and power over traditional top-order roles, especially given West Indies’ recent struggles with dot balls and spin through the middle overs. It also signals a subtle shift away from past templates.
Quentin Sampson backed as a spin-hitting solution
The inclusion of Quentin Sampson is the clearest statement of intent in the squad. Despite a modest start to his international career, Sampson forced his way into contention through a standout CPL 2025, where he scored freely at a strike rate above 150. The management see him as a clean striker who can disrupt spin, a skill West Indies believe will be critical in Indian and Sri Lankan conditions.
Hope was hopeful of Sampson turning his bright start in T20s to international cricket.
“Quentin Sampson certainly one of the cleaner ball strikers that I’ve seen in a long time. He also showed the ability to adapt to certain conditions, especially when there’s spin involved,” Hope said.
“He’s one of those ones that I think can definitely play a role in these sort of conditions that we’re going to. We saw in his debut game against Afghanistan, he negated the likes of Rashid Khan and some of the most experienced spinners across world cricket.
“When you’ve got the likes of Rovman and the rest of the guys, who are power-hitters, you still have to have that depth. I think he’ll be one that can probably follow the likes of Rovman and those guys, who can finish the innings, and play spin in the middle period.”
A squad shaped for subcontinent conditions
Overall, the West Indies squad reflects a clear strategy: cover spin-heavy conditions, reduce dot balls, and build depth through all-rounders and adaptable batters. While the absence of names like Alzarri Joseph and Evin Lewis will draw attention, the selection of Quentin Sampson and the trust placed in Shamar Joseph underline a squad chosen for specific roles rather than reputation alone.
Andre Russell and Nicholas Pooran Not Playing T20 World Cup 2026
Andre Russell not playing T20 World Cup 2026 is one of the biggest talking points around the West Indies squad, with the allrounder having retired from international cricket in July 2025. His decision automatically ruled him out of selection, but it also leaves a noticeable gap in the side’s balance. Russell’s ability to finish innings at a high strike rate and bowl in the death overs made him a rare dual-threat option.
Nicholas Pooran not playing T20 World Cup 2026 is another major talking point in the West Indies squad. The former white-ball captain retired from international cricket in June 2025 at just 29, ruling himself out of selection well before the tournament.
For schedule, venues and latest updates, see our T20 World Cup 2026 news page.
