The West Indies have announced their ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming series against India, with John Campbell returning to the ODI side and Kamil Pooran earning his maiden T20I call-up.
Top-order batter Kevin Wickham has received his first Test call-up for the West Indies' two-match series against Bangladesh. The squad sees changes with Shai Hope rested and Alzarri Joseph withdrawn due to workload management, replaced by Keemo Paul. John Campbell returns from injury, as West Indies aim to improve their ICC World Test Championship ranking.
Shubman Gill scored the fastest double hundred in ODI history (223 not out) and Rohit Sharma added a century (101) as India chased down West Indies' formidable total of 405 for seven, securing an eight-wicket victory and sealing the series. This historic chase also marked India's highest-ever ODI run chase.
India's bowling attack, particularly veteran Ravindra Jadeja, is under immense pressure to deliver an improved performance in the third and final ODI against the West Indies in Mullanpur. With the series already secured, the focus shifts to addressing the team's struggles in picking up early wickets and containing runs, especially in the powerplay and middle overs.
Shubman Gill's magnificent double century and Rohit Sharma's fluent hundred propelled India to their highest successful run chase in ODI history, chasing down 406 against West Indies by 8 wickets to seal the three-match series.
West Indies have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against Pakistan, featuring a maiden call-up for left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop and the return of Kirk McKenzie. The squad sees some changes due to injuries and personal reasons, with the series set to begin on Saturday.
Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi made his international debut for India in the second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati, becoming the third player from J&K to play for India in ODIs.
Shai Hope's magnificent unbeaten 162 guided the West Indies to a five-wicket consolation victory over India in the third and final ODI, successfully chasing India's formidable total of 351. Despite KL Rahul's classy 129 not out for India, Hope's record-breaking innings ensured the West Indies achieved their highest successful chase in one-day cricket, though India secured the series 2-1.
Maestro Virat Kohli and skipper Shubman Gill displayed their mastery in 50-over format with virtuoso hundreds as India subdued the West Indies by eight wickets in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
The landmark innings also placed Campbell in a rare club of openers who took the longest route to their maiden Test century.
Shai Hope smashed an unbeaten 162 as West Indies chased 352 to stun India by five wickets, setting a new record for the highest score in a successful ODI chase.
West Indies batting coach Floyd Reifer has stressed the need for the middle order to show greater responsibility and regain consistency, especially as the team prepares for the ODI World Cup Qualifier. He acknowledged positives from the recent loss to India, including a strong opening partnership, and highlighted the potential of young batter Jewel Andrew.
Campbell, who became the first Windies opener to score a Test hundred in India in 23 years, reached the landmark with a six, hitting Ravindra Jadeja over wide long-on.
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy emphasised the critical importance of winning both powerplays (batting and bowling) to defeat India in the ongoing T20I series. He highlighted the team's struggle to contain India in the initial overs while bowling and stressed the need for improvement. Sammy also defended all-rounder Roston Chase, praising his discipline and tactical understanding amidst criticism of his selection.
Chasing 121 for victory, India were 63/1 at stumps and West Indies will draw solace from being able to force a final-day finish after being made to follow on.
There was a time when a score close to 380 was a sure shot victory for that team, and the captain would be preparing his victory speech while fielding, points out K R Nayar.
John Campbell, who registered his maiden Test century, had mixed emotions after the end of day four in the second Test against India, in Delhi, on Monday.
India's three-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting Sunday, is a vital preparatory stage for the ICC World Cup 2027. The series will focus on giving game time to young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and assessing the form of key players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who is nearing a significant ODI milestone. The development of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is also a priority. The West Indies team, grappling with recent losses and financial issues, will aim to overcome these challenges and deliver a competitive performance.
India's batting strength, highlighted by centuries from Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, is set to face the West Indies in the second ODI to seal the series. However, the team's pace-bowling combination remains a significant concern, particularly after the unsuccessful experiment with Nitish Kumar Reddy. The match is crucial for the West Indies, who are looking to keep the series alive and build confidence for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
IMAGES from Day 3 of the 2nd Test between India and West Indies in New Delhi on Sunday.
IMAGES from Day 4 of the 2nd Test between India and West Indies in New Delhi on Monday.
India remained on course for a 2-0 series sweep after enforcing the follow-on but West Indies produced a much better batting display in their second innings to reach 173-2 on day three of the second and final Test in New Delhi on Sunday.
Jasprit Bumrah vented his frustration at cricket's tech limits after John Campbell survived a lifeline just shy of his maiden Test hundred on Monday.
Sai Sudharsan pulled off a jaw-dropping catch on Day 2.
West Indies batter John Campbell has been slapped with a four-year ban for violation of an anti-doping rule, according to a Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) decision
Kavem Hodge's unbeaten hundred helped the West Indies avoid the follow-on and reach 381-6 on Day 3 of the third and final Test against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui on Saturday.
Fast bowler Jacob Duffy and spinner Ajaz Patel routed West Indies as New Zealand won the third and final Test by 323 runs to complete a 2-0 series victory
West Indies, who trail 1-0 in the three-Test series, finished the day on 43 for no loss, still 419 behind their improbable target. Brandon King was batting on 37, while John Campbell was on two.
New Zealand dismissed West Indies for 205 and reached 24 without loss in reply on the opening day of the second Test on Wednesday.
The lack of quality first class cricket in the Caribbean has impacted the Test team badly and considering that, West Indies skipper Roston Chase wants the current bunch of players to get a longer run so that they can learn on the job.
Opener Devon Conway and debutant Mitchell Hay struck half-centuries to earn New Zealand a handy first-innings lead of 73 before their depleted bowling attack reduced West Indies to 32 for two to take control of the second Test in Wellington on Thursday.
Shai Hope's unbeaten hundred steered West Indies to 212/4 in a mammoth chase of 531 on day four of the opening Test against New Zealand.
The CWI said veteran all-rounder Jason Holder turned down the offer to join the squad in India to undergo a pre-determined "medical procedure".
Middle-order batter Kavem Hodge returns to the Test squad but there was no room for Khary Pierre with spin bowling expected to play a limited role in the series.
India beat West Indies by seven wickets in the second and final Test to complete a 2-0 series sweep at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.
Ravindra, Conway pave the way as New Zealand clinch ODI series against West Indies
India crushed West Indies by an innings and 140 runs inside three days in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, in Ahmedabad, on Saturday.
Spin great Anil Kumble said the Indian bowlers could have done more to maintain pressure on the West Indian batters on Day 4 of the second Test.
Pitch is still good one to bat on but we need to take game to Day 5: Khary Pierre
Gambhir said his only advice to Gill has been, "Just be himself".
