West Indies surprised cricket fans by recalling Simron Hetmyer for the upcoming three-match ODI series against India. The explosive left-handed batsman last played an ODI in July 2021 and has been away from international cricket for over a year. Hetmyer’s impressive performances for his IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals earlier this year caught the attention of the selectors, earning him a place back in the West Indies squad.

Hetmyer was initially part of the squad for the T20 World Cup last year but missed the marquee event after failing to catch a flight to Australia. Since then, he has been out of the national team. Along with Hetmyer, fast bowler Oshane Thomas has also been recalled, and several fit-again players have made their return to the ODI squad.

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The team, led by Shai Hope, will face India in the series starting on Thursday. Chief selector Desmond Haynes expressed his excitement over the return of Hetmyer and Thomas, stating that they have performed well at the international level before and will fit well into the set-up.

West Indies have named their 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against India.

Shimron Hetmyer and pacer Oshane Thomas have returned to the squad.#WIvIND | #TeamIndia | #WestIndies pic.twitter.com/oXGGHU7VIw

— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) July 25, 2023

Oshane Thomas is known for his pace and ability to take early wickets, while Hetmyer’s attacking batting style will be valuable, especially in the middle stage of the innings, and he can also be a potential ‘finisher.’ However, West Indies will miss the services of allrounder Jason Holder and wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran, who are unavailable for selection.

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It’s worth noting that West Indies failed to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup after not finishing among the top two teams in the qualifiers held earlier this year in Zimbabwe. This will mark the first time in history that the two-time champions won’t be part of the prestigious event, adding a bit of disappointment for fans and cricket enthusiasts.

West Indies full squad: Shai Hope (captain), Rovman Powell (vice-captain), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Dominic Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Oshane Thomas