West Indies put faith in Sampson’s ‘spin-countering power’ for T20 World Cup

Quentin Sampson, the 2025 CPL ‘Breakout Player’, has emerged as a surprise selection in the West Indies’ 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

The Essequibian’s inclusion sees the selectors opting for Sampson’s raw power to bolster the middle to lower-order in expected spin-friendly conditions.

The decision to include Sampson is a clear indication of Head Coach Daren Sammy’s strategy for the sub-continental turners.

With the tournament expected to be dominated by slow bowlers, Sampson’s ability to “challenge the spinners” was cited as the primary reason for his selection ahead of more seasoned options.

“When we select teams, we always look at the roles required,” Sammy noted during an online media engagement on Monday after Cricket West Indies announced the squad on social media.

“Sampson has shown the ability to manage himself in spinning conditions; he adds immense power and depth.”

Captain Shai Hope echoed the sentiment, highlighting Sampson’s dual-utility as a middle-overs enforcer and a death-overs finisher.

“He can play spin in the middle period and finish an innings well,” Hope added. “He is one of the most natural ball-strikers I have seen in a long time.”

For Sampson, the rise has been meteoric. Hailing from the riverain community of Caria Caria, he transitioned from CPL standout to T20I debutant earlier this month against Afghanistan.

While his international numbers are still in their infancy- his 24-ball 30 in the series opener being the highlight- the glimpses of his counter-attacking prowess were enough to convince the panel.

The squad also sees a strong Guyanese contingent, with Sampson joining Romario Shepherd, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, and Shimron Hetmyer in the travelling party.

Before the World Cup begins on February 7, the West Indies will undergo a final litmus test in a three-match T20I series against South Africa.

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

West Indies Group C Fixtures:

• Feb 7: vs Scotland (05:30h)
• Feb 11: vs England (09:30h)
• Feb 15: vs Nepal (01:30h)
• Feb 19: vs Italy (01:30h)