The West Indies cricket team has made strategic additions to their T20 International (T20I) squad ahead of their five-match series against New Zealand, commencing this Wednesday. All-rounders Matthew Forde and Shamar Springer have been called up to reinforce the team’s bowling attack, which has been hampered by injuries and unavailability of key players. The duo are the only new inclusions in the 15-member squad, which recently secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in their last T20I series. Forde, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury earlier this year, has successfully completed his rehabilitation and is set to make his return. Springer’s inclusion comes as a response to the absence of seam bowlers Ramon Simmons and Jediah Blades, both ruled out due to injuries, alongside the unavailability of fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph. In a notable move, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been omitted from the squad following a dip in form, attributed to technical issues with his bowling action. Motie will now work with specialists, including the Royals Sports Group, to address these concerns ahead of his participation in the SA20 tournament in December. The Cricket West Indies (CWI) has also announced the appointment of clinical psychologist Krisnan Hurdle as a mental skills and performance coach, a decision aimed at enhancing the players’ psychological resilience and focus. CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, emphasized the importance of mental strength in elite cricket, stating that the addition of Hurdle aligns with global best practices and underscores the organization’s commitment to developing well-rounded athletes. The West Indies squad for the series includes Shai Hope as captain, alongside a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, as they aim to build momentum ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.