WI vs SA: Brandon King named skipper for T20I series amid Rovman Powell’s IPL duties

West Indies have named Brandon King as the skipper for the upcoming 3-match T20I series against South Africa at home. King is set to lead the Caribbean team for the first time in the absence of Rovman Powell, who is currently with RR for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs. The Royals will lock horns with RCB in the Eliminator on Wednesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran have been rested from the series after their hectic campaigns with DC and LSG respectively. They will join the squad on May 27 before the T20 World Cup 2024. Alzarri Joseph and Sherfane Rutherford, currently playing for RCB and KKR respectively, will link up with the team only if their franchises do not qualify for the final.

Desmond Haynes, the lead selector, said that the series is a chance for the Caribbean players to get themselves up and running before the World Cup.

"These are among the last competitive T20 international matches before the start of the World Cup. Players have the opportunity to fine-tune their skills and ensure they are as prepared as they can be for the World Cup, whether they are in the final squad or reserve pool," Haynes said.

Head coach Daren Sammy said, "We have not played together as a team since the Australia series, but we just completed a very high-intensity training camp in Antigua. Now we have the chance to integrate some of our players returning from the IPL and build some momentum as a group going into the World Cup."

The 3 T20Is between South Africa and West Indies are scheduled to take place on May 23, 25 and 26 at the Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica.

West Indies squad for South Africa T20Is

Brandon King (C), Roston Chase, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Mathew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh