NEW DELHI: For Jason Holder, the dream of wearing the maroon cap in Test cricket is far from over. The 33-year-old West Indies all-rounder last featured in a Test more than a year ago against South Africa at Providence, where he top-scored with 54 not out in the first innings, only to see his team slump to a 40-run defeat. Despite his absence from the longest format since then, Holder remains optimistic about a comeback.In an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com, Holder made his passion clear: “I’ve got personal pride and passion for international cricket. When I grew up, there was no T20 cricket. It was always my dream to play for the West Indies. I still want to play Test cricket. Unfortunately, for whatever reasons, I haven’t been involved heavily in West Indies cricket apart from T20Is. But I have no doubt I’ll get back in the Test team at some point.”Holder, who has played 69 Tests, 138 ODIs, and 75 T20Is, has built a career around consistency and resilience. With 3073 Test runs and 162 wickets, he remains one of the most accomplished modern West Indian cricketers. For him, fitness — both mental and physical — remains the foundation.“I try to keep my body in tune out of competition. I think I’ve just got a strong foundation of fitness that has propelled me for as long as I have.”
BRISTOL, ENGLAND – JUNE 08: Jason Holder of West Indies and Jos Buttler of England interact following the 2nd Vitality IT20 match between England and West Indies at Seat Unique Stadium on June 08, 2025 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
‘Being captain at 23 shaped me’Holder also reflected on his time as the youngest-ever West Indies captain at just 23.“When I was at that age, it was obviously new to me. If I knew then what I know now, maybe I wouldn’t have taken it. It’s a lot to captain the West Indies, especially with so many nations under one banner. Before I took the caps, I was a boy. Afterwards, I developed into a man very quickly. It built my character and mental strength. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
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Currently, Holder is leading St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League 2025, having moved from Barbados Royals after a decade. While results have not gone their way, he insists the shift has given him clarity.“It’s been really good for me personally. I know results haven’t gone our way, but I came here to help bring change. We’ll need a refresh next season, but I think we’re moving in the right direction.”‘T20 leagues bring opportunities — but Test cricket is the pinnacle’Holder, who has made a name in global T20 leagues, admitted that franchise cricket has changed the landscape for cricketers but maintains that Test cricket remains the ultimate test.“T20 is easier to adapt to as a seasoned professional. But for young players, the longest format is where you really learn to play, hone your skills, and understand cricket. Test cricket is the pinnacle. Franchise leagues bring financial gains, but the purest form of the game will always be Test cricket.”
PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – AUGUST 8: Jason Holder of West Indies in action during day 2 of the 1st test match between West Indies and South Africa at Queen’s Park Oval on August 8, 2024 in Port of Spain, Trinidad And Tobago. (Photo by Daniel Prentice-Gallo Images/Getty Images)
The all-rounder’s perspective resonates in a Caribbean context, where many cricketers face the tough call between pursuing lucrative T20 contracts or representing their country.‘Players need fair compensation’On Nicholas Pooran’s shock retirement from international cricket at just 29 to focus on franchise leagues, Holder offered a pragmatic take.“It’s a difficult challenge. It’s not just in the Caribbean, it’s happening in New Zealand, South Africa, all around the world. Money drives a lot of it. Unless international boards can meet players somewhere in the middle with fair compensation, more players will continue to choose leagues over their country.”
Nicholas Pooran announced his retirement from the international cricket at the age of 29
Holder added that talk of creating “windows” for franchise leagues and international cricket is easier said than done.“Windows are very difficult. The only real way to compete with leagues is by providing greater financial stability in international cricket. Otherwise, more players will turn down their countries.”‘West Indies need accountability in the system’Reflecting on the broader struggles of West Indies cricket, Holder was candid about the systemic issues.“A lot of our issues stem from the system. We need more accountability at every level, better development programs, and standards that are enforced. Until then, inconsistency will remain. Building reliability with accountability is the only way forward.”
BRISTOL, ENGLAND – JUNE 08: West Indies bowler Jason Holder celebrates with team mates after taking the wicket of Jamie Smith during the 2nd Vitality IT20 match between England and West Indies at Seat Unique Stadium on June 08, 2025 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Despite challenges, Holder’s personal goals remain firmly tied to the maroon jersey and the enduring pride of Test cricket. His career, marked by resilience, leadership, and versatility, is far from finished.(Fans can watch the Caribbean Premier League exclusively on FanCode)
