West Indies Name New Look Squad For T20I Series Against Nepal, Akeal Hosein To Lead

As cricket gears up for another busy stretch, Cricket West Indies (CWI) have announced a refreshed squad for a three-match T20I series against Nepal in Sharjah, UAE, slated for September 27–30, 2025. What makes this series particularly notable is the multiple firsts: it’s a chance for a number of emerging players to make their international mark, and for left‑arm spinner Akeal Hosein to lead the men’s side in a full senior men’s international across formats for the first time. Afrika‑Caribbean cricket watchers say this is not just about winning a series; it’s about renewing the team’s identity and laying groundwork for global competition ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2026.

Why This Series Matters

Leadership experiment: Hosein’s appointment as skipper gives CWI a chance to test new leadership in less pressured conditions. With senior players like Shai Hope and Alzarri Joseph being rested, the onus lies on Hosein and his mix of youth and experience to deliver.
Talent pipeline: Several uncapped players have been included—top-order batters, bowlers, all‑rounders. It’s a chance to see who adapts well to international cricket.
Depth building ahead of 2026: The selectors are thinking long term. With the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, conditions will favour spin and varied bowling attacks. Tours like this help in forging versatility.
Historic bilateral opportunity: For Nepal, it’s a chance to test themselves more regularly against Full Members. The West Indies A side had toured Nepal in 2024, but this is the first time the senior West Indies men’s team will engage in a full bilateral T20I series.

The Squad Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at who is in the West Indies camp, what strengths and question‑marks exist, and which players might seize the moment.

Captains & Senior Pros

Akeal Hosein (Captain) – A spin‑bowling all‑rounder with vast experience in limited‑overs cricket. Known for his tidy economy, clever variations, and ability to bowl in tight spots. Now entrusted with captaincy duties, he’ll need to marshal the attack, set fields, and make tactical calls. This is a major responsibility.
Jason Holder – A veteran all‑rounder whose experience with both bat and ball will be invaluable, especially in guiding younger bowlers. His ability to bounce back, adapt, and lead by example under pressure tends to galvanize the team.
Kyle Mayers and Fabian Allen bring continuity, experience in franchise cricket, and exposure to high-pressure T20 situations. They are expected to anchor the middle overs, finish innings strongly, and step up in bowling when needed.

The New Faces – Uncapped Players

Five newcomers have been included—these are the players whose performances could define how the series is remembered:

Player	Role	What they bring / What to watch for
Ackeem Auguste	Top‑order batter	Aggressive intent, power hitting. Can he settle early and give a platform?
Navin Bidaisee	Batting all‑rounder	Key contributions with both bat and possibly with some useful overs. Depth value.
Zishan Motara	Leg spin	Leg‑spinners are valuable in UAE and Sharjah. Will he get flight and deceive batters used to pace?
Ramon Simmonds	Left‑arm pace	Variety in pace attack; his ability to swing or use cutters could be important in Sharjah conditions.
Amir Jangoo	Wicketkeeper‑batter	Ready to grab chances behind the stumps; batting strike rate will matter.

In addition, Karima Gore, though uncapped for WI, has international experience for USA and has shown clutch performances in CPL 2025; his inclusion is a positive indicator.

Supporting Cast

Other names in the squad who provide balance and stability:

Obed McCoy – Pace bowler with good T20 credentials. Useful in initial overs or death phases.
Keacy Carty, Shamar Springer, Jewel Andrew – Provide batting depth; possibly rotational parts in lineup depending on conditions.
Jediah Blades – Youngster with potential; could be used as floater depending on match situation.

Opponent & Venue

Nepal

Nepal deserve respect for their improving T20I pedigree. In the West Indies A tour in 2024, though they lost the series, they won a couple of matches, displaying their ability to compete and learn.

Their strengths lie in spin bowling, agility in the field, and their batting which, while not yet deep, has shown flashes. Playing in Sharjah will suit spin‑oriented bowlers; Nepal could exploit that if their top order holds up.

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE

All matches will be played at Sharjah—a ground that historically rewards spin and disciplined bowling, especially in the middle overs. Slow pitches, variable bounce, and dew under lights tend to shape the game.
Conditions in late September in UAE usually include dry air, warmth, and evenings that help dew. Spinners might get grip earlier than pacers after the initial overs.
Also, the stadium’s familiarity for many international sides means experience will count.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Here are what West Indies have going for them—and where they need to improve.

Strengths

Spin variety and captain who understands spin: With Hosein leading, they have a spin attack that can be well marshalled, especially in conditions that assist.
Opportunity for local talent: Young players will be motivated to make an impression. Match fitness, sharpness, and freshness are on their side.
Experience in younger pros: Players like Mayers, Holder, Allen will provide leadership under pressure, helping mitigate mistakes.
Bowling attack potential: With pace options like McCoy plus spin and left‑arm variation (Simmonds) they carry tools to adapt.

Weaknesses / Challenges

Batting depth under pressure: Top order stability will be tested; inexperienced batters may struggle against tight bowling.
Leadership growing pains: Hosein’s captaincy will be under scrutiny. How he marshals field placements, bowler rotations, and responds to match tides will be critical.
Lack of recent long series: Many players here are less tested in batches of games; maintaining momentum or recovering from bad sessions might be harder.
Too much resting of key players: While rest is needed, missing senior players like Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph could reduce firepower or batting/power options.

Tactical Possibilities & X‑Factors

Spin to dominate middle overs: Expect Hosein, Motara, and Allen to do bulk of bowling between overs 7‑15 or 8‑17. If Nepal’s batters can clear spin early, they will be under less pressure.
Powerplay push: With inexperienced players, starting strongly will relieve pressure. If West Indies lose early wickets, the batting collapse is possible.
Death overs execution: Both batting and bowling in overs 16‑20 will likely decide matches. Young batsmen must avoid rash shots; bowlers must bowl smart yorkers and variation.
Fielding sharpness: With younger players, fielding lapses are more probable. Catching, saving boundaries, and turning ones into twos may be difference-makers.

Prediction: What To Expect

Match 1 (27 Sept) will be about assessing conditions and settling nerves. Probably won by West Indies, but a close contest if Nepal’s spinners fire.
Match 2 (29 Sept): Expect adjustments. If West Indies picks a strong XI and pitches are slower, spin will win the day.
Match 3 (30 Sept): If the series is 1‑1, nerves will matter. Young players will need to step up. Could go either way.

Overall, West Indies are favorites, but not overwhelming ones. If their new players begin brightly and Hosein leads strongly, they should win the series 2‑1 or 3‑0. Nepal’s hope lies in exploiting any complacency and putting pressure in home‑like conditions.

Bigger Picture: What This Series Means for West Indies Cricket

Talent identification: Performances here may decide who is part of training camps and major tournaments.
Leadership transition: Hosein’s captaincy could pave way for leadership models in the future, especially with workload management of senior players.
Form going into T20 WC 2026: Good momentum, match practice, and exposure to varied opposition will help sharpen edges.
Brand expansion: Engaging with emerging nations like Nepal helps as the ICC and CWI both push for broader global growth of cricket.

The Sharjah T20Is vs Nepal may not grab global headlines like marquee series, but for West Indies, it is a crucial test. Hosein’s leadership, the emergence of fresh talent, and adaptability in strategy could determine much of what the next phase of West Indies cricket looks like. For Nepal, it’s an opportunity to push against a Full Member side and show that gap is narrowing if effort, discipline, and plan align.

All said, cricket fans should brace for energetic spells, debutant surprises, and matches where every over counts. Those who step up will script their own stories; those who falter will learn valuable lessons. And for West Indies, this is not just about winning—it’s about building momentum, resilience, and depth.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/