Chris Gayle says no to India ODIs; to take a break from cricket

Chris Gayle’s international career has become an enigma. At the start of this year, he had announced that the World Cup would be his last assignment in ODIs. Gayle had starred with the bat against England and had said that the series was his last at home. But soon after West Indies‘ campaign ended in the World Cup, he stated that he would like to play the home series against India and did.

In the last match of the series, he walked back to the pavilion holding his helmet atop his bat’s handle as if he was bidding goodbye to the fans. But minutes later, he said that he was yet to formally announce his retirement. And the West Indian legend has once again made it clear that he is still not thinking about retiring from the game.

Break but not retirement

In the latest turn of events, Chris Gayle has decided to take a mini-break from the game in order to plan about his future. Consequently, he will miss the upcoming ODI series against India next month. The left-handed batsman revealed that he was contacted by West Indies selectors for the upcoming three-match ODI series in India but turned down the offer. Gayle will now spend the rest of 2019, planning about what to do in 2020.

“West Indies called me to play ODIs, but I am not going to play,” Gayle was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo following his team Jozi Stars’ defeat in the ongoing MSL in South Africa. “They (selectors) want me to play with the youngsters but for this year I am going to take a break,” he added.

West Indies will play three T20Is and three ODIs against India. The T20I series will kickstart the tour. Chris Gayle could make his much-anticipated return for the West Indies early next year when Ireland visit the Caribbeans. West Indies will host Ireland in January for three ODIs and as many T20 Internationals. With Gayle still going strong, West Indies will be hoping that he remains available for next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

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