A Major Caribbean Tour
The West Indies are set to begin a major white-ball tour of India, with Shai Hope leading the Caribbean side through three One Day Internationals and five Twenty20 Internationals. The eight-match series will run from September 27 through October 17, taking the teams across several Indian cities.
ODI Series Begins
The opening match of the tour will be the first ODI on September 27 at the Sports Hub International Cricket Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The second ODI is scheduled for September 30 in Guwahati, before the three-match series concludes on October 3 in New Chandigarh.
The ODI contests will provide both teams with an important opportunity to assess their squads in the 50-over format. India are also looking toward the 2027 Cricket World Cup, adding significance to the series for the hosts.
Hope Takes Charge
Hope will captain the West Indies in both white-ball formats. Cricket West Indies confirmed that the Barbadian wicketkeeper-batsman would lead the ODI and T20I groups during the India tour.
His leadership will be central to the Caribbean side as the visitors face a demanding schedule against India.
New Faces and Returning Players
The West Indies squad combines established international players with emerging talent. John Campbell returns to the ODI setup after missing the final two matches of the recent series against New Zealand because of a hamstring injury.
Young batter Jewel Andrew has also been included after Ackeem Auguste was ruled out while continuing his rehabilitation following surgery. In the T20I squad, Kamil Pooran has received his maiden call-up.
T20I Action Follows
After the ODI series, attention will turn to the five-match T20I campaign. The opening T20I will be played in Lucknow on October 6, followed by matches in Ranchi on October 9 and Indore on October 11.
The fourth T20I is scheduled for Hyderabad on October 14, with the series finale taking place in Bengaluru on October 17.
A Tour Across Eight Cities
The extensive schedule means the teams will travel across eight cities during the tour. From Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati to Lucknow, Ranchi, Indore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, the series will showcase international cricket at venues across India.
The packed itinerary will also test how both squads manage the transition between the longer 50-over contests and the faster pace of T20 cricket.
A Significant Test
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy described the ODI series as an opportunity to measure the team’s progress against India. The Caribbean side are also seeking their first bilateral ODI series victory in India since 2002.
With Hope leading a mixture of experienced players and emerging talent, the West Indies will enter the tour with plenty to play for. Across eight matches and three weeks of cricket, the India series promises a demanding examination of the Caribbean side in both major white-ball formats.