West Indies vs India: West Indies Include Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard For The T20Is

West Indies have included veteran Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard in their 14-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against India. The team led by Carlos Brathwaite has also seen the return of injured Andre Russell, who bowed out of the ICC World Cup 2019. However, Chris Gayle has made himself unavailable for the series and will play in the Global T20 Canada.

Narine, Pollard return to West Indies squad

Sunil Narine, who last featured for West Indies in 2016 in a T20I has played only match for his country since then. On the other hand, veteran all-rounder Kieron Pollard has also made a return to the side that take on India in the T20Is starting from August 1 in Florida. The star all-rounder Andre Russell, although has found himself in the squad, but will have to clear fitness test to make it to the playing XI. Young wicket-keeper batsman Anthony Bramble has earned a maiden call-up to the side that also includes KharyPierre and John Campbell. Bramble has impressed in whatever limited opportunities that have come his way and recently Guyana Amazon Warriors roped him for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League.

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The interim chairman of selectors, Robert Haynes, said that the squad gives a perfect balance of youth and experience. He also admitted that they picked the squad keeping in mind the upcoming World T20 next year.

“This squad is an excellent balance of experience and youth,” Haynes said. “It’s not just about the present but we are also looking at the T20 World Cup coming up next year and it is important that we find the right combination of players and the right formula for defending our title,” he added.

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Speaking on the inclusion of Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard in the West Indies squad, Robert Haynes said that they have done exceptionally well in the T20 leagues across the globe. And as they are mentally and physically fit, they deserve a chance to play for their country again.

“We felt that players like Narine and Pollard, who have played well in T20 leagues around the World, once they are fit and mentally ready to play, we must give them the opportunity to represent the West Indies again,” he concluded.

Florida will host the first two T20Is before it moves to West Indies with Guyana hosting the third and final T20I match.

Here is the West Indies squad