The West Indies women's cricket team faces a significant challenge as they head to India without seasoned all-rounder Stafanie Taylor. Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced that the 33-year-old is still recovering from an injury and will miss the three T20Is and three ODIs on the tour.
In Taylor’s absence, all eyes will be on Deandra Dottin, who is making her much-anticipated ODI return. Dottin, who stepped back into the international scene during this year’s T20 World Cup after retiring two years ago, has shown remarkable form in white-ball cricket. Her performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup was among the tournament’s best, and she recently smashed an unbeaten 46 off just 18 balls at a blistering strike rate of 255.55 in the WBBL, guiding the Melbourne Renegades to victory against Adelaide Strikers.
Seamer Shabika Gajnabi and wicketkeeper-batter Rashada Williams also return to the squad, hoping to make an impact after missing the T20 World Cup. With the Women’s Premier League (WPL) scouts watching closely, this series offers a golden opportunity for these players to showcase their talent and attract franchise interest.
"We want to get more girls involved with franchise cricket moving forward and looking toward India, it's always good to play in front of the Indian IPL teams," Shane Deitz, the West Indies coach, said. "It is good for our ladies to start getting their names in front of those people, to hopefully open some opportunities in the future."
The tour begins with three T20Is in Mumbai before moving to Vadodara for the ODI matches, which hold critical points for the ICC Women's Championship. West Indies will have a ten-day acclimatisation camp ahead of the series.
The last time West Indies toured India for a white-ball series was in 2016, where they dominated the T20Is 3-0 but suffered a 0-3 loss in the ODIs. With history in mind, the team will look to replicate their T20 success while seeking redemption in the 50-over format.
West Indies ODI and T20I Squad
- Captain: Hayley Matthews
- Vice-Captain: Shemaine Campbelle
- Players: Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Nerissa Crafton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Rashada Williams.
The stage is set for an exciting series as the West Indies aim to shine on Indian soil, with both experienced players and rising stars eager to make their mark.