IND v WI: Evin Lewis pulls out of West Indies squad citing personal reasons; replacements announced

The struggling West Indies were dealt with another blow on Wednesday after opening batsman Evin Lewis pulled out of the limited-overs leg of the India tour, citing personal reasons. Kieran Powell and Nicholas Pooran will be his replacement in the ODIs and T20s respectively.

Evin Lewis had recently declined a central contract offered by Cricket West Indies, potentially making him more available for leagues around the world, following in the footsteps of Chris Gayle and other stars from the region.

Chris Gayle, who is playing the Afghanistan Premier League in Sharjah, had already made himself unavailable for the five ODIs and three ODIs in India. Lewis would have come handy in India, having played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. He has two ODI hundreds in 35 games and as many in T20 format in just 17 matches.

“Powell and Pooran have been asked to replace Evin Lewis in the ODI and T20I squads, while McCoy will replace Alzarri Joseph who remains under observation for his return to full fitness,” read a Cricket West Indies statement.

READ: Umesh Yadav Named As Shardul Thakur's Replacement For First Two ODIs Against West Indies

Earlier, the Indian cricket team had also announced that Umesh Yadav will be replacing the injured Sahrdul Thakur for the upcoming two ODIs. Shardul Thakur has been ruled out after sustaining a right adductor tendon injury, during the second Test. The debut didn't go as planned for the 27-year-old as he limped off the field after bowling his 10th delivery.

On the other hand, a return comes at the right time for Umesh Yadav. After his poor showing on the tour of England and a subsequent snub from India's Asia Cup squad, the right-arm fast bowler will be hoping to redeem himself with the tour of Australia just around the corner. 

The five-match ODI series between India and West Indies will get underway in Guwahati on Oct. 21 and the next ODI will be played in Visakhapatnam.

Revised squads:

West Indies: Jason Holder (Capt.), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Obed McCoy, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Oshane Thomas.

India: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper), Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Khaleel Ahmed, Umesh Yadav