India vs West Indies | Only way to silence critics is by playing good cricket, says Jason Holder

Team India registered their biggest victory in the Test format as they defeated Windies by an innings and 272 runs at Rajkot last week. This only piled more pressure on an already fragile West Indies squad who lacked confidence ahead of the series opener in Saurashtra.

Once a formidable force in International cricket, the Caribbean outfit has massively dropped its standards in the last couple of years, especially in the Test format of the sport. However, Windies skipper, Jason Holder, was quick to add that his side is undergoing a transition phase. In response to all the criticism directed towards his team, Holder responded by pointing out that even the great Brian Lara could not win a Test series in India.

"We are playing the No.1 team, India, in their backyard. And history would show we haven't won a Test match here since 1994 and if you look at the players who came through West Indies cricket - I think Brian Lara and these greats have been playing all that time," Holder told PTI sources.

West Indies last drew an away Test series against India way back in 1994 when Lara had scored 91 at Mohali. However, that was the only Test series that Lara played in India. Holder lashed out at the critics pointing fingers towards him and the rest of the Caribbean boys as he said that everyone was entitled to an opinion but was unhappy with all the hateful comments they have been subjected to in the past few days.

"Again, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I just focus primarily on what I have to do and what the team has to do. There's no point worrying about what people have to say because people will always have to say (something or the other). The only way we can silence the critics - or try to silence them because I don't think they'll ever shut up - is by playing cricket.

"A lot has been said about this Test team in particular; things that I am not in agreement with. Because we have beaten top sides in the last two-three series we've played. We probably haven't won as many series as we'd like. Within the last year, I think we've won two out of four or five series we've played. So I don't understand why people would be this harsh towards us," Holder added.

The all-rounder, who missed the first Test due to injury, has recovered and is looking forward to lead his side in the second and final Test of the series against Virat Kohli & Co. which is slated to begin on October 12 in Hyderabad.