West Indies captain Jason Holder has lashed out at the former greats who constantly criticize the current team without providing solutions.
Holder, who was speaking on the Mason&Guest in Barbados on Tuesday, also suggested that because of the constant caustic criticisms, the current players are reluctant to reach out to them for guidance.
Chief among the critics is former fast-bowler Andy Roberts, who just last month, was critical of the West Indies captain, especially after the recent tour of New Zealand where the West Indies lost by an innings in each of the two Test matches.
“I think Jason Holder as a captain on the field is lost,” Roberts said. “I don’t think he’s aware what is going on the field because if I win a toss as a captain and before lunch on a green top pitch I am having a man on the point boundary then I am lost.
“That’s the first thing. His field placing [leaves] a lot to be desired and I believe the time should come where he takes instructions from the coaches who can see the game better than he can.”
Holder responded to those comments and others that have been levelled at him over the past few years since he was appointed captain.
“My disappointment with people like Andy Roberts, I respect them to what they contribute to the game but as former players who done so well, I am sure they have positive contributions to make to West Indies cricket but why go on these platforms and constantly criticize and degrade the product of West Indies cricket?” Holder lamented to host Andrew Mason.
“I feel the former legends comments on West Indies cricket, 99 per cent of the time is negative and when it is an opportunity for them to give encouragement or congratulate players is like they are trying to pick their teeth to find the words, it’s like a hard thing to do.
“As a society in the Caribbean we find it so easy to criticize and we always know the problem but when asked the solution, it’s mind-boggling, people always struggle to find the solutions.”
Holder laid some of the blame for the challenges faced by current players squarely at the feet of the former players citing the fact that because of the constant negative feedback players are reluctant to seek guidance from the former players.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion and the legends, who I respect them for their contribution, I think they can do a lot more into opening up that relationship with players,” he said. “Lots of players frown upon speaking to the legends because they are not approachable.
“We know we are not the greatest side but it would warm my heart to have a conversation with Andy Roberts but it’s often him being critical to the current crop. Pick up the phone and offer that support. I think they need to do a lot better to build the relationship with current players and I think they have a lot to offer to West Indies cricket."