In a recent interview with Times of India former West Indies opener Chris Gayle says that the 2023 World Cup will not be his last one and he will play the next World Cup. Also he tells about his favorites and about the West Indies probability of playing the World Cup.
Famous batsman who is well known for his six hitting, plays 103 Test, 301 ODI, 79 T20 and 142 IPL. He is among those few batsmen who scored centuries in all the above four formats. He hit a total 910 sixes in all the four formats he played and is always remembered as one of the greatest six hitting machines.
Just a few weeks back, the World Cup full schedule was announced and many ex-cricket players thought that this might be Kohli’s last World Cup.
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On being asked his favourites for this World Cup he replied, “Don’t know who is the favourite, but I can just actually give you a little bit about the top four. I think India, Pakistan, England and Australia as the 4th team. I used to say New Zealand, but I’m going to put Australia.”
About the West Indies chances to play the World Cup, he added, “It wouldn’t look so good. Not seeing the West Indies in the World Cup. It is going to be sad. It will be sad for the West Indies and the fans as well. Not only West Indies fans but also people who are hooked to West Indies culture. Not seeing the West Indies in this World Cup will feel so bad and sad. It’s going to be disappointing if they don’t make it to the World Cup. I’ll be gutted.
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Things look a bit dim but there’s still a chance , there’s hope. So, hopefully they can actually win all three games and hopefully some miracle happens, some hiccup happens with the points table and they get a chance as well. But it’s going to be difficult, but let’s hope things can change for the better for the West Indies.”
Regarding Virat Kohli’s last World Cup this time, Gayle said, “Virat Kohli has another World Cup in him. I don’t think this is going to be his last World Cup. India are favourites, they play at home as well. So it’s going to be very interesting. We want to see the team they are actually going to select. First of all the squad , they are going to select because a lot of people are knocking on the door. India is always going to be a favourite at home as well. So that’s something that carries the pressure over to the India team as well.”
Two key players for the Indian team in this World Cup, he added, “Bumrah for sure. I’m sure he is going to be back. And young man Surya (Suryakumar Yadav). These two guys.”
Whether Ind-Pak is greater than Ashes or not, Chris Gayle said, “India-Pakistan – that’s bigger than the Ashes. Yes, that’s bigger than the Ashes, absolutely. That’s humongous on a world stage. Billions of people watching that. We know what comes. Let’s see what happens on the 15th. I’ll go watch it.”
Friendliness with Virat Kohli, he included, “There are quite a lot to be honest. It’s good to actually be alongside such a player in the dressing room and with him as well. We have a lot of hundred partnerships for RCB as well. That’s good. We have got a great bond. He is a very good guy.”
Is he finding any IPL coaching job, he replied, “Me? (laughs). I don’t think I can manage that. We’ll see what happens.”