London, Feb 24: Former West Indies coach Ottis Gibson believes Jason Holder's elevation to the post of captain has come too soon.

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While praising the 23-year-old's ability and potential, Gibson said it would have been best for selectors to allow him to properly develop his talent first without the burden of captaincy, reports CMC.

"Captaincy is too much for him at this point in time. I know Jason and he has got the character to elevate himself to captain over time and loves taking responsibility but he has to work on his game at the moment," Gibson said.

"To do that and make sure he is casting an eye in the nets to see how people are performing, sitting in selection meetings, picking players and dealing with media (is difficult). So I am surprised (chairman of selectors) Clive Lloyd has burdened him with the captaincy."

Holder was a shock appointment last December, ahead of the five-match one-day series in South Africa which the Caribbean side lost 1-4.

His turbulent start as the head of the squad continued when the West Indies were bundled out for 122 to lose by nine wickets to England in the first warm-up game of the World Cup, and sank to new depths when they were stunned by minnows Ireland in their opening Pool B game last week.

Gibson, who was axed as coach last August, said Holder would definitely need the support of senior players in order to succeed in the post.

"Darren Sammy will help him as that's his character but I just hope the other seniors give him the support he needs and go to him rather than wait for him to come to them as he needs a lot of help," Gibson said.

IANS