Injured Andre Russell out of Windies T20I squad

Kolkata: Big-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell has been withdrawn from the squad on eve of the first of three T20Is against India at Eden Gardens here.

In a massive blow to the Windies, star all-rounder Andre Russell has been withdrawn from the three-match Twenty20 International series against India on account of an injury, it was announced through a release on Saturday, one day before the first match.

Meanwhile Shai Hope, who was among the runs during the preceding ODI series, has been named in the squad for the shortest format.

Earlier Ashley Nurse also had to be withdrawn from the squad due to a shoulder injury, which he picked after the fourth ODI against India. Regular T20I openers, Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis, have already pulled out of the squad, citing personal reasons in both instances.

Revised Windies squad: Carlos Brathwaite (c), Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Shai Hope, Sherfane Rutherford, Oshane Thomas, Khary Pierre, Obed McCoy, Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran. (UNI)