The West Indies were the trendsetters in T20 cricket. Their players were the first to play in a franchise league globally and reject central contracts. In the 2010s, Windies had the best batters, bowlers, and all-rounders in the game in Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, and Andre Russell. That’s why the Men in Maroon lifted the 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cup trophies.
But post that golden generation, it’s all gone downhill. In the next two editions of the ICC event, in 2021 and 2022, the West Indies didn’t even make it out of the group stage. 2024 saw a slight turnaround as they made the Super 8 stage. Under Daren Sammy, who was the captain when the West Indies won their two titles, they’ll hope for a turnaround.
Shai Hope to open
Nicholas Pooran’s decision to retire from international cricket will hurt the West Indies, but they have some quality in their middle order even without him. But let’s start with the openers. Brandon King has been in great nick in 2026 – 4, 50, 47, 27, and 49 – in T20I cricket. He’ll pip Johnson Charles as Shai Hope’s partner, who is the West Indies captain and wicketkeeper.
Shimron Hetymer at 3?
The Windies don’t really have a number three, barring Quentin Sampson, who has played just 17 competitive matches in his career. Shimron Hetmyer batted at that spot against South Africa recently and might just slot in there. Sherfane Rutherford and Rovman Powell will be their middle-order batters.
No place for Shamar Joseph
The West Indies have plenty of all-rounders. Romario Shepherd is a great hitter and can give up to 4 overs when on. Roston Chase and Jason Holder can win matches from both bat and ball. Both are in career-best form. Holder was exceptional in the ILT20, while Chase was performing in the SA20.
Akeal Hosein is one of the most flexible spinners, who can bowl at any stage and gets a lid on the run scoring. Shamar Joseph hasn’t been a regular in T20Is and will sit out again, with Matthew Forde and Jayden Seales being preferred over him. Forde was recently promoted to bat at number three and can be a destructive hitter, while Seales is still honing his T20 skills.
Predicted West Indies Playing XI for T20 World Cup 2026
Shai Hope (c & wk), Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales
Bench: Johnson Charles, Quentin Sampson, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph
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