In a surprising selection announcement that has turned heads in Caribbean cricket circles, power-hitting left-hander Shimron Hetmyer is poised to make his first One Day International appearance in more than 12 months, after being named to Cricket West Indies’ 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match ODI tour against Sri Lanka, which kicks off this Wednesday.
The 29-year-old Guyanese batsman has not featured in 50-over international cricket since a June 2023 clash against England, and he missed the West Indies’ 10-day elite high-performance training camp held in Antigua last month due to his commitments to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Hetmyer’s IPL campaign with Rajasthan Royals ended in disappointment, as he posted underwhelming numbers across seven innings, managing only 78 total runs for a low average of 13, before he was dropped from the franchise’s starting lineup ahead of its second Qualifier elimination.
Despite that underwhelming domestic T20 form, Cricket West Ineis (CWI) confirmed in an official statement released Sunday that Hetmyer’s selection was directly driven by his standout performances at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year, where he finished as the regional side’s top run-scorer. The governing body also framed his recall as a core part of its long-term strategic planning for the 2025 50-over ICC World Cup, which will be held across October and November next year.
In a curious scheduling twist, Hetmyer will not join the full squad for the opening two matches of the series, and is only set to link up with the team ahead of the third and final ODI, scheduled for June 8.
The West Indies’ bowling unit has received a significant boost for the series, with the long-awaited returns of fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, both of whom were sidelined for the Caribbean side’s most recent ODI series against New Zealand in late 2023. Hard-hitting all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford, who also recently completed an IPL stint with the Mumbai Indians, also earned a spot in the 15-man group.
Notably missing from the squad is all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru side that lifted the IPL trophy on Sunday. Shepherd’s omission comes as a minor surprise following his contribution to the franchise’s title win.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy noted that his side’s strong recent run of home results has lifted the entire group’s confidence heading into the Sri Lanka series. “Sri Lanka are a disciplined and skillful ODI unit, especially in conditions that demand patience and smart cricket,” Sammy said. “For us, this series is about setting the standard: intensity in the field, clarity with the bat, and consistency with the ball.”
Sammy added that the team is focused on building a consistent, cohesive identity for Caribbean cricket ahead of the 2025 World Cup. “We want to play fearless but intelligent cricket and continue building the identity we believe West Indies cricket should represent,” he explained. “In our desire to make home a fortress in ODI cricket, I want the team to win moments consistently rather than relying on individual brilliance which we have stressed for the last 18 months.”
The full 15-member West Indies ODI squad is: Shai Hope (captain), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Shamar Springer.