The West Indies Squad T20 World Cup 2026 has officially been announced, and it reflects a bold blend of explosive batting talent, proven all-rounders, and a revamped bowling unit. Two-time T20 World Cup champions West Indies have named a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Shai Hope entrusted with the captaincy of the Caribbean side.
The selection signals a clear shift in strategy, as the West Indies selectors have prioritised players who have consistently delivered in global franchise leagues over the past few seasons. While several familiar names from recent bilateral series have missed out, the final squad underlines the team’s intent to reclaim past glory on the world stage.
Shai Hope to Lead a New-Look West Indies
Shai Hope, known primarily for his composure and consistency, will lead the West Indies in the 2026 T20 World Cup. His appointment as captain suggests a focus on calm leadership and adaptability, qualities the team management believes are crucial in high-pressure global tournaments.
West Indies recently featured in a T20 series against Afghanistan, but only a handful of players from that series have been retained. Among the batters, Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer, and Brandon King are the only names who have successfully held on to their spots in the World Cup squad.
This approach highlights a performance-based selection policy rather than reliance on short-term international form.
West Indies Squad T20 World Cup 2026 – Full Team List
Below is the official 15-member West Indies Squad for the T20 World Cup 2026:
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Shai Hope (C) | Top-order Batter |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Middle-order Batter |
| Johnson Charles | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| Brandon King | Opening Batter |
| Rovman Powell | Middle-order Batter |
| Sherfane Rutherford | Batting All-rounder |
| Roston Chase | Spin All-rounder |
| Jason Holder | Pace All-rounder |
| Romario Shepherd | Fast-bowling All-rounder |
| Matthew Forde | Fast Bowler |
| Shamar Joseph | Fast Bowler |
| Jayden Seales | Fast Bowler |
| Alzarri Joseph | — (Not selected) |
| Akeal Hosein | Left-arm Spinner |
| Gudakesh Motie | Left-arm Spinner |
| Quentin Sampson | Squad Batter |
Captain (C): Shai Hope
Batting Firepower Remains West Indies’ Biggest Strength
The biggest talking point surrounding the West Indies Squad T20 World Cup 2026 is its sheer batting firepower. Players like Hetmyer, Powell, Rutherford, and Charles are known for their ability to change games within a few overs.
Most of these batters have extensive experience across leagues such as the IPL, CPL, BBL, and other international T20 competitions. Their exposure to high-quality bowling attacks around the world is expected to play a vital role in crunch moments.
Bowling Unit: Balanced Pace and Spin Combination
West Indies have assembled a bowling attack that offers both speed and variety. The pace department will be led by Jason Holder, supported by Shamar Joseph, Matthew Forde, and Jayden Seales. This group brings bounce, aggression, and the ability to strike early in the powerplay.
West Indies Bowling Breakdown
| Bowling Type | Players |
|---|---|
| Fast Bowlers | Jason Holder, Shamar Joseph, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales |
| Spinners | Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie |
| All-round Options | Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford |
Spin responsibilities will largely rest on Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase, and Gudakesh Motie, giving the team flexibility across different pitch conditions.
Notable Absentees: Big Names Miss Out
Two high-profile names missing from the squad are Evin Lewis and Alzarri Joseph. Both players have struggled with recurring injuries in recent months, which reportedly influenced the selectors’ decision.
While their absence may disappoint fans, the team management has opted for fitness and long-term availability over reputation.
Group D Assignment and Match Schedule
West Indies have been placed in Group D of the T20 World Cup 2026, alongside England, Scotland, Nepal, and Italy. Scotland have replaced Bangladesh in the group following qualification changes.
West Indies Group D Overview
| Team | Status |
|---|---|
| West Indies | Two-time Champions |
| England | Former Champions |
| Scotland | Qualified |
| Nepal | Emerging Team |
| Italy | First-time Contenders |
West Indies will begin their World Cup campaign on 7 February 2026, facing Scotland in their opening match.
Aiming to Reclaim Past Glory
West Indies remain one of the most successful teams in T20 World Cup history, having lifted the trophy twice. Their last triumph came in 2016, when they stunned England in a dramatic final.
Since then, consistency has been elusive, but the West Indies Squad T20 World Cup 2026 suggests a renewed commitment to aggressive cricket backed by experience and versatility.
With powerful hitters, adaptable all-rounders, and a bowling attack suited for modern T20 conditions, West Indies will be determined to make a deep run in the tournament and reassert their dominance in the shortest format.