West Indies coach Ottis Gibson admits the loss of Chris Gayle is a huge blow to their chances but hopes his replacement can make a name for himself.
The giant left-hander was injured while attempting to take quick single in the Windies’ six-wicket loss to India in the first one-day international earlier this week.
The former skipper was run out without scoring and suffered a hamstring injury as he tried to make his ground and so will play no part in the two remaining 50-over contests with the Asians.
West Indies physio CJ Clark said: “Chris is returning to the Caribbean for injury management and subsequent physical rehabilitation. He will be assessed continuously over the period.”
The men from the Caribbean are then due to travel to New Zealand for three Tests, with the series due to finish just before Christmas.
Gayle has no chance of featuring in the five-day contests as his injury will take some time to heal, but he could be back in the line-up when the five-match ODI series begins on Boxing Day.
The West Indies will also face the Kiwis in two Twenty20 games and Gayle will be desperate to play in those as it is the format of the game in which he excels.
Gibson feels that his charges will feel the loss of such an imposing player but is confident that the man who steps into his sizeable boots will shine.
“He is our best batsman in this format,” he said. “He is one of the senior players in the team and one of the players that know Indian conditions quite well.
“But I will always try to look at the positive and it gives an opportunity for somebody else to make a name for himself.”
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