Brandon King leads a fresh West Indies squad in Dubai as senior stars remain at SA20.
Brandon King as captain T20I series
Is the West Indies’ future being written in the hospitality suites of South Africa or on the dusty pitches of Dubai? As the regular leadership core stays embedded in the SA20 franchise circuit, the Caribbean side has opted for a fascinating “desert laboratory” approach.
By naming Brandon King as captain for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, Cricket West Indies (CWI) isn’t just filling a vacancy; they are auditioning for a new identity.
The King’s Gambit
With Shai Hope unavailable, Brandon King steps into a role that requires more than just top-order runs. He inherits a squad stripped of its usual armor—no Rovman Powell, no Jason Holder, and no Romario Shepherd.
While the casual observer might see a depleted roster, Daren Sammy sees a “crucial step.”
This series is a rare chance to see how the Windies’ secondary tier handles the unique “spin-to-win” blueprint favored by Afghanistan in subcontinental conditions.
The Sampson Evolution
The inclusion of Quentin Sampson is the most electric headline in this 16-man list. At 25, Sampson isn’t just a domestic standout; he is a specialist in high-velocity scoring.
- The Profile: 241 runs in nine CPL 2025 matches.
- The Utility: Unlike many Caribbean power-hitters who prefer pace on the ball, Sampson has shown a refined ability to manipulate length against quality spin.
- The World Cup Implications: If Sampson succeeds in Dubai, he effectively puts pressure on the “untouchable” middle order, creating the kind of healthy selection headache Sammy craves ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The Return of the Prodigals
The squad receives a massive injection of adrenaline with the return of Evin Lewis and Shamar Joseph.
Lewis provides the veteran intimidation factor at the top of the order, while Shamar Joseph brings the raw, skiddy pace that can unsettle even the most settled Afghan batters.
However, the absence of Alzarri Joseph remains a talking point. CWI is being exceptionally cautious with his lower-back rehabilitation—a move that signals they are prioritizing career longevity over immediate series wins.
The “Rest” is a Weapon
Standard wisdom suggests that missing six of your best players is a recipe for disaster against a team as dangerous as Afghanistan.
However, the counter-intuitive reality is that the “first-choice” players are often victim to “tactical scarring”—repeatedly falling into the same traps against Rashid Khan or Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
This fresh-faced squad, led by King, arrives without that baggage. They offer a “blank slate” tactical approach that could catch Afghanistan off-guard.
Key Takeaways:
- New Leadership: Brandon King takes the helm for the first time in an international series.
- Strategic Absences: Workload management and franchise commitments have sidelined seven regular starters.
- Fresh Blood: Quentin Sampson earns a well-deserved maiden call-up following a dominant CPL season.
- Recovery Focus: Shamar Joseph and Evin Lewis return, while Alzarri Joseph is rested to ensure long-term fitness.
The Road to the UAE
The squad departs on January 14, giving them just 48 hours to acclimate before the first ball is bowled on January 19.
In the high-stakes world of T20 cricket, this series is the ultimate litmus test for the West Indies’ bench strength.