Revealed: Why Jason Holder Isn't Included In West Indies' Playing XI In 1st T20I vs India

Jason Holder is not a part of the playing XI that took the field in the first T20I against India. Kieron Pollard returns to lead the side after recovering from his knee injury. Holder was hit on his chest during the practice session on Tuesday resulting in him being rested for the first T20I.

Cricket West Indies’ official Twitter handle gave an update on Jason Holder’s health. It stated the reason behind him not being a part of this game. Meanwhile, India head into the series after whitewashing the visitors in the three-match ODI series in Ahmedabad.

Cricket West Indies Provide Update On Jason Holder’s Fitness

Jason Holder misses out today. He was hit in the chest yesterday at training and hasn’t recovered in time. #MenInMaroon #WIvsIND pic.twitter.com/59kRyKng17

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) February 16, 2022

The two teams wear a very different look in the T20I series. Specialist players are back in both teams. For India, this series followed by the one against Sri Lanka is a dress rehearsal for the T20 World Cup later this year. For West Indies, they will look to continue their winning run in the format. They beat England 3-2 before this series against India.

India won the toss and opted to field first. Rohit Sharma at the toss spoke about the dew factor playing its part in his decision. Ravi Bishnoi is making his T20I debut for India in this game.

“Looks like we are going to bowl first here. I don’t want to comment on the pitch as it has played differently every time we have come here. (Bowling first) gives us a score in mind and how to approach the second half. We have to prepare ourselves with one eye on Australia. We have to keep ticking the boxes and that’s been the message to the guys. We have played really well as a team but those little moments in the game is what we have to try and seize” said Rohit at the toss.

For West Indies, Jason Holder is the only change from their last playing XI. The return of Pollard boosts the side and lends them a much better balance. The Windies T20I side looks a much better one than the ODI side that played against India.

“We try to stay in the present, what happened in the weekend is done and dusted. We had a conversation about it, happy for the guys who are selected but business on hand now is to represent the West Indies. This is where it counts in international cricket and lot of these guys are looking for opportunities. We were going with the same XI (as the 5th T20I against England) but we have one forced change; Jason Holder misses out” said Pollard.

Also Read: IND vs WI: Avesh Khan Aiming To Break Into India’s T20 World Cup 2022 Squad