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'Hope a West Indian carries forward Sachin's legacy'

November 19, 2013 08:58 IST
Sachin Tendulkar of India bids farewell at the end of his career

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar has inspired all. The iconic batsman's legacy should be carried forward by someone from the Caribbean nation, feels West Indies fast bowler Jason Holder.

"Obviously, it has been a good career for Sachin Tendulkar. He has set a new mark for several players, and, sportsmen in general. In terms of cricket, he has left a very good legacy and it is hopefully up to a West Indian to pick up that legacy and hopefully better (it)," Holder said.

'Sachin must have passed on some of his knowledge and expertise'

November 19, 2013 08:58 IST
Sachin Tendulkar of India bids farewell at the end of his career

The 22-year joined the squad for the three-ODI series, which commences on November 21 in Kochi, and said the batting legend must have shared some of his knowledge post the Test series when he visited the West Indies dressing room.

"I wasn't in the dressing room at that time but I am sure it would have been a good visit and he must have passed on some of his knowledge and expertise," he said.

West Indies suffered an innings defeat in both their Test matches but Holder said they have a squad that can turn things around.

"We are a very confident side at the moment. It is the first tournament coming off our series against Pakistan and it wasn't the best but I think we have a side that can turn things around and move forward."

' We have got a new mindse'

November 19, 2013 08:58 IST
Jason Holder of the West Indies

The Barbados player said the morale of the team was high and they were not thinking about the two-Test series loss.

"Obviously the guys were a bit disappointed after the Test series. Some of the players from the Test side and couple of new players have joined the team. We have got a new mindset and we have got a new focus. We just have got to focus on the One-day series," he said.

"The morale is very good at the moment. We have put the Test series behind us. We can't look back and change it. Looking ahead I just think the guys need to be positive in the first game and make a mark in the opening tie," added Holder.

'Looking forward to play against the No 1 team'

November 19, 2013 08:58 IST
Jason Holder of the West Indies

Asked if the West Indies team is a stronger unit in the limited-overs format, Holder said, "Off late, we haven't been playing that well in the One-day format. We have been behind in the Test series leading up to this. But coming back into this new series, the guys are refreshed and looking forward to play against the No 1 team."

Holder is still uncapped in the Test format and said he was a little disappointed that he wasn't a part of the squad.

"Probably a little disheartened that I wasn't part of the Test squad but I think I am young and have some time to go, so hopefully I could break into the Test squad," he said.

The promising bowler has played a few matches for IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.

"Obviously, I have been here earlier in the year and having played a few Twenty20 games, I am little accustomed to the conditions here. This is my first time in Kochi and (I will) try to assess their conditions as early as possible,” he added.