Overview:
West Indies will find it difficult to reach the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals despite having strong all-rounders.
Shai Hope-led West Indies will be aiming to show their potential at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, set to start from February 7. The Windies were involved in a three-match T20I series away against South Africa and were convincingly beaten in the first two games. However, they earned a consolation victory in a rain-hit 3rd encounter.
Before that, the West Indies suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Afghanistan in a three-match series as well.
The work for the Windies at the T20 World Cup will be to sharpen their bowling, which was below par against the Proteas. Hope’s men did well with the bat, and that will be a theme for them in the tourney. However, their bowling needs addressing if they are to make an impression.
The Windies will battle it out in a Group C that also features England, Scotland, Italy and Nepal. Notably, 20 teams are divided into four groups, and the top 2 teams from each group will reach the Super 8, which will be divided into two groups.
The T20 World Cup final will be played on March 8. India and Sri Lanka will co-host the coveted tournament. This is the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup.
The Windies have won two World Cups in the 20-over format in 2012 and 2016, respectively. And now, they will aim to win a 3rd honour and become the 1st side to do so.
The talking point of the West Indies’ 15-member squad is the presence of key all-rounders and an explosive batting unit led by Hope. West Indies will aim to come good with their all-round performance and show consistency.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, we decode the strengths, weaknesses and analysis of the Windies side.
West Indies squad for T20 World Cup: Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.
Strengths of the West Indies
West Indies boast of a versatile batting unit. Shai Hope, Brandon King and Johnson Charles boast enough experience to handle the demands.
King has scored 1881 runs for the West Indies at 26.49. He has hit the joint-most fifties for WI (14). Meanwhile, Charles will support him. In 69 matches, he has 1525 runs at 22.42. Hope is a key figure. He is closing in on 1500 runs for WI. He has 1455 runs at 29.10.
Shimron Hetmyer will bolster the middle order. He was solid in the just-concluded series against South Africa. In 75 matches (65 innings), he owns 1345 runs at 22.79.
The all-rounders then come into the mix. You have Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford. In 110 matches, Powell owns 2112 runs at 25.75. His strike rate is 141.46. Rutherford has 651 runs at 19.72 with his SR being 142.13.
Roston Chase is another all-rounder in the mix and brings experience. He has 713 runs at 23.76. Jason Holder’s presence also helps the side. He owns close to 750 runs for WI.
Romario Shepherd is another pivotal all-rounder. He has 75 scalps with the ball and owns 829 runs with the bat.
We have two quality spin options that will aid them in the sub-continent. You have Gudakesh Motie, who owns 39 scalps at 28.05. Akeal Hosein is also a decent shout. He is the 2nd-highest wicket-taker for WI with 86 scalps at 26.36. Chase will be the third spin option. He has picked 34 scalps from 52 matches at 28.67.
In the pace department, Holder will make his presence felt. He is WI’s highest wicket-taker with 98 scalps. Shepherd and Rutherford will chip in alongside him. Shamar Joseph lends valuable support as well.
Weaknesses of the West Indies side
Inconsistency is what can hurt the Windies team. One wants to see them deliver a consistent brand of cricket. It’s something which has not been the case of late. Hope has a lot of work to do in order to shape his side to play the tunes needed.
Yes, the Windies have plenty of muscle with their all-round exploits, but the bowling lacks bite. WI could struggle in the death overs, and also both Joseph and Jayden Seales lack the desired firepower. Seales’ economy rate is in excess of 10. Joseph’s ER reads 9.56.
Shepherd is a utility figure, but the ER reads 10-plus, which is a minus.
WI batters will also need to come good during the middle overs, with spinners dictating. It remains to be seen how their power hitters handle this phase.
Predicted starting XI of West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph.
Players to watch out for
Shimron Hetmyer: The star batter understands the sub-continent well, having played plenty of games in the IPL. He had a good series against the Proteas and will be keen to bank on the same.
Verdict: West Indies could struggle to make the semis
West Indies will find it difficult to reach the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals despite having strong all-rounders. However, death-bowling, a weak attack compared to other big teams, and a lack of consistency and smart execution will be issues. WI can reach the Super8s. However, reaching the semis could be an issue.
Schedule of the West Indies in the 2026 T20 World Cup
7 February – West Indies vs Scotland, Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata
11 February – England vs West Indies, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
15 February –West Indies vs Nepal, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
19 February – West Indies vs Italy, Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata
WI’s opener will start at 3:00 pm IST. Their 2nd game will be starting from 7:00 pm IST. The next two group games will start at 11:00 am IST.