Chris Gayle returns to WI squad for T20I series vs Sri Lanka

Chris Gayle is set to play for West Indies for the first time after March 2019 after being named in the national squad for 3-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

The squad which wiill be led by all-rounder Kieron Pollard will also see the return of pacer Fidel Edwards. Nicholas Pooran has been as Pollard's deputy. Off-spinner Kevin Sinclair earns his first West Indies selection and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein gets his first T20I call-up.

Kieron Pollard will also captain the West Indies ODI side which will play 3 matches against the visitors on March 10, 12 and 14. Shai Hope will be Pollard's deputy in the 50-over format.

"As we build towards the defence of the T20 World Cup, the opportunity is being taken to determine our best team and squad as we go forward. Chris Gayle has performed very well in recent tournaments and the selection panel thinks that he can still add great value to our team. Fidel Edwards has been selected to give the bowling the potent firepower needed,” CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper said.

“Jason Holder has shown his all-round value in this format in recent times and after missing a few series he will add depth and experience to the squad. Akeal Hosein performed very well in Bangladesh [ODI Series] and had excellent stats in the CPL so this is an opportunity to see how he equips himself in this format. Kevin Sinclair grabbed our attention in the Super50 Cup back in 2019 and has been consistently economical in the last CPL and the current CG Insurance Super50. He will provide an off-spinning option for the team," he added. (India Today)