Windies were hit by a major injury blow on the eve of the first T20I against India at Eden Gardens when all-rounder Andre Russell was ruled out of the three-match series. Russell was one of the seven T20 specialists that were supposed to arrive in India, but his absence from the team's training sessions in Kolkata raised doubts about his availability.

Russell recently featured in one game during the inaugural Afghanistan Premier League after which he returned home with what looked like a knee injury. He was not picked for the one-day team but was expected to play in the T20Is.

Windies' chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne confirmed that the mercurial all-rounder was injured, without elaborating on the injury. Current World T20 champions are already missing their regular openers, Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis due to personal reasons.

(With inputs from ESPNCricinfo)