There will be a mix of World Cup players and probable reserves in the three-match T20I series.
In place of regular skipper Rovman Powell, who is still playing in the IPL with the Rajasthan Royals, Brandon King will captain the West Indies in the Twenty20 International series against South Africa, which serves as a warm-up for the World Cup.
Powell is among several players who will miss the three games on May 23, 25, and 26 because they are either resting after the event or are still playing in the IPL. Although Nicholas Pooran and Shai Hope, who played for the Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals, respectively, are rested, Andre Russell of the Kolkata Knight Riders, Shimron Hetmyer of the Rajasthan Royals, Alzarri Joseph of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sherfane Rutherford of the Kolkata Knight Riders are with teams participating in the knockout stages.
If their teams are eliminated from the IPL final, Joseph and Rutherford will be added to the T20I squad. Those who will play against South Africa include Matthew Forde and Kyle Mayers, who were both on the verge of being selected for the T20 World Cup. The series will probably determine who will be the first reserve in the event of an injury during the competition.
Before being forced to miss the most recent tour of Nepal due to injury, King was scheduled to captain West Indies, but A. Roston Chase took his place.
"These are among the last competitive T20 international matches before the start of the World Cup," lead selector Desmond Haynes stated. "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."
Head coach Daren Sammy noted: "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 World Cup squad includes fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who may make his T20I debut in this series. He made just one appearance for LSG during the IPL.
After facing South Africa, West Indies will play Australia in a warm-up match on May 30.
West Indies squad for T20I series vs South Africa
Jason Holder, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh, Andre Fletcher, Mathew Forde, Roston Chase, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Obed McCoy, Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, and Hayden Walsh