Despite the West Indies’ relatively poor form heading into next week’s ICC T20 World Cup, Head Coach Daren Sammy believes the squad, which features Jamaican batsmen Rovman Powell and Brandon King, can pull off an upset and win the title for the third time in their history.

On Monday, Cricket West Indies revealed the 15-man squad that will compete in the tournament in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. As reported by the Jamaica Observer earlier this month, both Powell and King have been included and will make their third consecutive appearance at the T20 showpiece.

It ensures Jamaica’s presence at all 10 editions of the World Cup, with the duo joining Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels and Jerome Taylor as Jamaicans to feature in the tournament on more than two occasions.

The Windies are currently in Johannesburg as they complete their final preparations in a three match T20 series, which begins today at 11 AM Jamaica time.

Sammy’s men are coming off a 2-1 series defeat to Afghanistan last week, just two months after suffering a 3-1 series defeat to New Zealand. In 2025, they also suffered series defeats to England, Australia, Pakistan and Nepal. The Windies also lost against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the end of 2024, just months after the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, where they were knocked out at the quarterfinal stage.

Despite the less than impressive run, Sammy says he’s more confident than ever that the team can compete for top honours.

“The realistic point is we can win it and I believe so,” he said. “People probably would not give us a chance but I look at the quality that I have, I look at these guys winning games all over and the challenge for us to put all this talent together.”

“I feel there is this energy that once this team landed in South Africa and watching them practice. I think they understand how important this World Cup is, not only for them, but for the people of the Caribbean as well. When we board that plane from Johannesburg to India, we are going out there to play a tournament to win. That’s the only focus on our mind.”

The Windies will return to India, the country where they famously lifted the title for a second time under the captaincy of Sammy.

The St Lucian sees similarities between the current squad and the championship team and believes this group has the quality to repeat their title run.

“When I look at that squad now, you see Rovman Powell, [Shimron] Hetmeyer, [Roston] Chase, Skipper [Shai] Hope, Matthew Ford, [Romario]) Shepard, all the all-rounders we have —it reminds me of that team that we had in 2016 in terms of the firepower,” he said.

“I’m pretty sure you heard the captain speaking about execution and clear execution of roles will be important but I’m excited going back to India and I’m excited to see what my men have in store for the public. It feels like the same, because we’re going to India and I’m pretty sure nobody gives us a chance and it was the same in 2016. So we have our quiet confidence in the dressing room. Just watching the guys train over the last two days, there’s an energy that is telling me something special is about to happen.”

Following the removal of Bangladesh, the Windies will take on Scotland in the opening game of Group C on February 7 before playing England on February 11, Nepal on February 15 and Italy on February 19. Only the top two will advance to the Super 8 stage.

Squad: Shai Hope (captain), Rovman Powell, Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.

West Indies’ players celebrate catching New Zealand Mark Chapman during the second one-day international cricket match between New Zealand and the West Indies at McLean Park in Napier on November 19, 2025. (Photo: AFP)

Jamaican Rovman Powell will play in his third consecutive T20 World Cup after being named in the West Indies 15-man squad. 

Jamaican Brandon King will play in his third consecutive T20 World Cup after being named in the West Indies 15-man squad. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy(Photo: CWI Media)