West Indies name T20I squad for tour of New Zealand; Gudakesh Motion omitted

The West Indies have announced their 15-man squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealandfrom November 5 in Auckland. While the return of Matthew Forde marks a boost for the team’s pace department, the left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motion has been left out of the squad to undergo repairs to his bowling action following a recent dip in form.

Gudakesh Motion sidelined due to technical corrections

Motie’s exclusion comes after an inconsistent performance during the tour of Bangladesh, where he struggled to make an impact in both ODIs and T20Is. Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that the 29-year-old will work with specialists from the Royals Sports Group to address technical deficiencies in his action before joining Paarl Royals in December for the 2024-2025 SA20 season.

Known for his ability to make sharp turns and control the middle overs, Motie recorded expensive figures of 0/44, 3/65 and 1/53 in the ODIs against Bangladesh and bowled just one in the T20I series. His absence creates an opportunity for Khar Pierre And Akeal Hosein to share the spinning tasks on the side Roston Chase.

Matthew Forde returns, Shamar Springer deserves a call-up

Pacer Matthew Fordewho has missed action since July due to a shoulder injury, has completed his rehabilitation and is about to make his international comeback. The 22-year-old has 17 wickets from 13 T20Is and will be crucial in West Indies’ pace attack, which has been weakened by injuries to Ramón Simmons And Jedia Blades.

In a bid to strengthen the fast bowling unit, an all-rounder Shamar Springer has been included. The 26-year-old has played in two T20Is so far, claiming two wickets, and will provide depth alongside established players Jason Holder, Romario ShepherdAnd Jayden Seales. Meanwhile, promising pacer Shamar Joseph remains unavailable due to shoulder problems sustained during training in Bangladesh last month.

Also READ: New Zealand announces squad for West Indies T20Is; Matt Henry rested, Kyle Jamieson returns

Shai Hope leads a balanced unit

Yes Hope will continue to lead the way, leading a mix of seasoned campaigners and young prospects. The batting line-up includes: Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Ackeem Auguste, Amir JangooAnd Alick Athanaze. With a mix of power hitters and versatile all-rounders, West Indies will look to fine-tune their combinations ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.

The series starts at Eden Park in Auckland on November 5, followed by matches in Mount Maunganui, Napier, Dunedin and Wellington between November 5 and 13. The tour provides the Caribbean side with an opportunity to assess its bench strength and build momentum against a competitive New Zealand team.

West Indies T20I squad for New Zealand:

Shai Hope (c), Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Brandon King, Khary Pierre, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.

Also READ: “It’s the right time for myself and the team” – NZ star Kane Williamson bids farewell to T20 internationals