Tension has increased within the West Indies team ahead of the five-match T20 series against India. Young batsman and wicketkeeper Joel Andrew sustained a finger injury during the third ODI match of the series, played in Mullumpura, and has not yet fully recovered.
During the 36th over, an attack by India, a ball bowled by Gudakesh Motie, struck Joel Andrew's finger while he was catching the ball towards the cover. He subsequently had to leave the field. Andrew was taken to the hospital for examination, but X-rays and scans did not reveal any fractures. Nevertheless, he could not immediately return to the field and did not participate in the West Indies' chase for a record score. The medical team continues to monitor the condition of his injury.
Jangu's Form
Middle-order batsman Amir Jangu has been included in the T20 squad as a replacement for Joel Andrew. However, Joel Andrew has not been completely ruled out of the series; the West Indies medical staff is closely monitoring his condition, and he still has a chance to play. Left-handed batsman Jangu is currently in excellent form.
The recently concluded three-match ODI series against India was very memorable for Amir Jangu. In the first match of the series, the 29-year-old Jangu was not dismissed and scored 58 runs. In the second match, he showed brilliant play, scoring 114 runs. His form continued in the third match, where he contributed 67 runs. Thus, Jangu scored a total of 239 runs across the three matches, becoming the third-highest scorer in the India-West Indies ODI series, behind Indian captain Shubman Gill and West Indies captain Shai Hope.
Amir Jangu debuted in international cricket in December 2024. To date, he has played seven international T20 matches, scoring 163 runs at an average strike rate of 120.74. He can also play as a wicketkeeper, giving West Indies an additional option for squad selection.
Updated West Indies T20 Squad: Shai Hope (Captain), Roston Chase, Matthew Ford, Shimron Hetmyer, Akil Hussain, Amir Jangu, Sharme Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Kimo Paul, Kamil Purran, Rovmen Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Romario Shepherd, and Sharme Springer.
India-West Indies T20 Series Schedule:
- First T20: October 6, Lucknow
- Second T20: October 9, Ranchi
- Third T20: October 11, Indore
- Fourth T20: October 14, Hyderabad
- Fifth T20: October 17, Bangalore