West Indies regular skipper Jason Holder was ruled out of the Rajkot Test against India due to a sprain in the ankle. It is observed that Holder sustained the injury during a pre-series training in Dubai. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite will now captain the side for the second time in Tests.
Holder’s absence is a big jolt for the West Indies. Though the 26-year-old who sweated it out in the nets on the match eve in Rajkot, avoided bowling during the two-day warm-up game against Board President's XI. Surprisingly, no news regarding the injury was given at the pre-match press conference which he addressed yesterday.
Holder’s absence is not the first shocker Windies is dealing with as the squad was already powerless with the non-availability of strike bowler Kemar Roach, who had to miss the game due to some personal reasons.
The West Indian squad, who are still in search for their first Test win in India since Mohali, 1994, depends on debutant fast bowler Shannon Gabriel along with Keemo Paul and Sherman Lewis.