Browne on Saturday confirmed Russell’s unavailability.
Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer Andre Russell. (Photo: AFP)
The three-match T20 International series between India and West Indies will begin on Sunday at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. But ahead of the series opener, the visitors received a major blow after star all-rounder Andre Russell was ruled out of the entire series due to injury.
West Indies chief selector Courtney Browne on Saturday confirmed Russell’s unavailability. However, he did not discuss the details of his injury with media.
“Andre Russell and Sunil Narine are injured at this time. Ashley Nurse will miss both the remainder of the India tour and the Bangladesh tour as he recovers from his injury. We wish the team every success on a challenging assignment in India,” Courtney Browne said in a statement.
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Earlier on Thursday, Windies spinner, Ashley Nurse was ruled out from the shortest format series due to a shoulder injury. West Indies team is already without the services of star T20 batsman Chris Gayle and all-rounder Sunil Narine, who are capable of changing the game in any over. However, the presence of Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo is still a great threat to India.
“With the T20 World Cup two years away the process of rebuilding a squad to be a competitive unit for the tournament is critical at this stage. The introduction of young talent at this time gives the coaching staff some lead time to help them develop their skills and for the team to develop into a very competitive unit,” Courtney Browne said.
“The team retains some experienced players who will work alongside the younger group which is very important for their development. The journey will begin without some of our stalwarts noticeably Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels and Samuel Badree,” Browne added.
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