Chris Gayle cheekily hints at World Cup return after final game against Afghanistan

The Windies team came to the England shores like a hurricane and destroyed the Pakistan team in the opening encounter. Slowly the strong winds lost its vigour and turned into a breeze which was gently brushed aside by the opposition teams. The game against Afghanistan was their last group fixture and though the overall result didn’t work out their way, the team did manage to end with a win. Though the result didn’t mean much for both sides it was an important game as it was Chris Gayle’s last hurrah in World Cup.

Since the start of the year 2019, Jason Holder’s side was getting into the groove as they tied an ODI series against the No.1 ranked team England. Even their start in 2019 World Cup was really promising and many experts expected the Caribbean men to qualify for the semi-finals as well. All this time, the most experienced batter in the team, Chris Gayle was the trump card in the batting unit.

Last day at the office for Gayle

Throughout his career which spanned over two decades, Gayle is one of the few players who has maintained his aura. Still, at the age of 39 while playing his 5th World Cup he instils fear in the best of the bowlers. Even in this tournament he set the stage on fire for a couple of times but was not consistent enough to make a difference.

After the game against Afghanistan, Universe Boss confirmed that it was his last World Cup. He cheekily added he might consider playing the 2023 World Cup if the board rests him for the next couple of years.

“We have a great bunch, it’s for them to uplift West Indies cricket. I’ll be around, I may be around for a few more games, will be there for the youngsters. World Cup wasn’t to be but life does go on. It is my last World Cup….unless they give me two years of rest and I come back (laughs),” Gayle said while talking to the broadcaster.

He expressed gratitude to the Windies board, support staff, and youngsters who are present in the squad. The left-hander also clarified his future plans as he wants to continue for the island nation for some more time. He has admitted that he will be playing in the upcoming ODI series against India and the T20 leagues around the world.

Also read – World Cup 2019: Virat Kohli thanks Harry Kane for his wishes

“Would’ve loved to lift the trophy, but it didn’t happen but at the same time it was fun, enjoyed it. All the guys rallied around me, got the support of the youngsters. Must commend the staff for the work ethics they’ve put in. Words can’t explain my feeling at the moment honestly.

“To play the T20Is and ODIs against India, the CPL, and the Canadian T20. That’s that. We’ll see after that what happens,” he stated.

In the end, Gayle also expressed his thoughts on 50 over cricket and the current crop of youngsters who are going to take the country’s cricket forward.