Named Interim Captain for West Indies T20I Series Against South Africa

Brandon King has been appointed the interim captain of the West Indies for their upcoming three-match T20I series at home against South Africa. King steps into the role due to the unavailability of Rovman Powell, who, along with several other key players, is currently participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Powell and Shimron Hetmyer are playing for the Rajasthan Royals, while Andre Russell and Sherfane Rutherford are with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Alzarri Joseph, part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, will also miss the series as his team has qualified for the playoffs.

In addition to these players, Cricket West Indies has decided to rest Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran, despite their non-participation in the IPL playoffs. However, Shamar Joseph, who played a single game for Lucknow Super Giants, has been included in the squad and is set to make his T20I debut after being selected for the World Cup. CWI has also stated that Joseph and Rutherford will join the squad if RCB and KKR do not reach the finals.

"We have not played together as a team since the Australia series, but we just completed a very high-intensity training camp in Antigua," White Ball Head Coach Daren Sammy said. "Now we have the chance to integrate some of our players returning from the IPL and build some momentum as a group going into the World Cup."

Roston Chase has been named as King's deputy for the series. Chase recently led West Indies A in Nepal in King's absence. The three T20I matches will take place at Sabina Park in Jamaica on May 23, 25, and 26.

Squad: Brandon King (C), Roston Chase, Alick Athanaze, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Mathew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh