Chris Gayle not to play ODIs, T20s against India

New Delhi : West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle has opted out of the ODI and T20 series against India citing personal reasons. West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced three new names in the squad for upcoming matches of the series.

The two teams are currently playing two-match Test series in which team India has taken an unassailable lead of 1-0. Men in blue had wrapped up the Test match within three days marking their biggest ever Test victory against West Indies.

The West Indies will play five ODIs and three T20 Internationals. The first ODI will be held in Guwahati on October 21.

“We will be without our stalwart, Chris Gayle for this Indian tour and the next tour against Bangladesh as he has declined selection at this time, however, he has made himself available for the selection for the visit of England to the Caribbean and the World Cup in 2019,” WICB chairman of the selection panel Courtney Browne said in a statement.

The Caribbean team included three new names - opener Chrandrapaul Hemraj, all-rounder Fabian Allen and fast bowler Oshane Thomas – for the limited over squad.

Big-hitting Kieran Pollard, middle-order batsman Darren Bravo and all-rounder Andre Russell have also made a comeback into the T20 squad.