Captain Jason Holder views the absence of Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo from the West Indies Cricket World Cup squad as a "huge loss".
Former skipper Bravo and experienced all-rounder Pollard were controversially omitted from West Indies' party for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, which starts next Saturday.
Neither player has participated in a one-day international for the Windies since the tour of India was abruptly cut short last October, but their exclusions have caused uproar.
Holder said the duo will be missed, but stated that the decision was beyond his control and called for the team to move on.
"They are two players who have done well in world cricket," Holder said.
"But it's out of our control. Not having them would be a huge loss to any side. But it's beyond our control and we have to accept it and move on."
Holder replaced Bravo as captain last year to become the youngest Windies captain at the age of 22.
Now 23, Holder admits he took time before committing to the role but insists he is not daunted by the challenge of leading his country in a World Cup.
"Being captain is a huge thing for me. At 22-years-old I was the youngest captain of all time. Yes, I had to think about it. It was a delicate time," he added.
"So I gave it some thought and spoke to a few players around the dressing room and made my decision.
"I've seen myself to be a leader in most teams I've put myself into. I've led teams before.
"I led West Indies Under-19s, I was vice-captain on the West Indies 'A' team, so it's not something that I'm fresh or not accustomed to.
"Having said that, it's a big stage on the international stage. It's just about adjusting and getting that relationship between your players and myself, and just trying to get the best for West Indies cricket."
West Indies start their World Cup campaign against Ireland in Nelson on February 16.