West Indies squad for 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup - Home ground advantage key as West Indies seek third T20 World Cup

The West Indies lack the depth and consistency of powerhouses such as India and Australia… but they are the only nation to have clinched the T20 World Cup twice. They have some devastating powers and powerhouse batters, but they are prone to imploding with either bat or ball. In the last year they have beaten both England and India 3-2 in T20 series in the West Indies, so they are certainly big-time contenders.  

Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell and Jason Holder are often the backbone of the side. Romario Shepherd is a dangerman with bat and ball, while Shai Hope is starting to develop his T20 game to match his brilliant 50-over game.

The West Indies might rely on their bowlers to throttle opposition batters or roll them out, and this is where 24-year-old paceman Shamar Joseph might be the West Indies’ X-factor. He’s hardly played any top-flight cricket, but what he has done has been breathtaking. Not being known to the opposition is another advantage if he gets game time.

"I'm making it very clear to everybody that whatever team that you hear us put out today, that team we feel is going to win the World Cup," said chairman of selectors Desmond Haynes ahead of his squad’s announcement. 

"You really can't question Shamar Joseph's skills. You saw him in Australia. We were looking at someone up front bowling the first powerplay and he ticks the boxes.”

"Shamar Joseph has the pace, he has skills with the new ball; not saying Matthew Forde doesn't, but when you look at the role, it makes it easier for us to now pick the personnel to fit that role," added West Indies head coach Daren Sammy.

"All the preparation, all the thought process, identifying the key roles that we need to be effective in to help us win has brought us to this moment. We have the guys that are ready to go out and execute for us. I have 15 X-factors there. Desmond Haynes reminded me in the meeting we have matchwinners, And the world knows it."

Rovman Powell (captain)

Alzarri Joseph

Johnson Charles

Roston Chase

Shimron Hetmyer

Jason Holder

Shai Hope

Akeal Hosein

Shamar Joseph

Brandon King

Gudakesh Motie

Nicholas Pooran

Andre Russell

Sherfane Rutherford

Romario Shepherd