The big-hitting West Indies player, Chris Gayle, feels that he has a “lot to offer” and will perhaps continue to play franchise cricket till 45. He also mentioned that he would take a final call on his international career at the right time. During a media interaction, the 40-year-old swashbuckler said, "A lot of people still want to see Chris Gayle out there in the middle. I still have that love for the game and that passion for the game as well. And I would love to carry on as long as possible”.
Starting his career in 1999, Gayle has been showcasing superior batting skills and it is evident from his top-notch performances how much he loves playing cricket. “It’s been 20 years of international cricket and 20 years of cricket in general. So, there is always life after cricket and this is the time where you can put some plans in place as well. I have still been enjoying my game”, he added.
The destructive batsman believes that he is “getting younger as days go on” and hinted at playing cricket for another five years. He further said, “Forty-five is a good number. Yeah, we can target 45. Let's target 45, that's a good number”.
Hopeful of continuing his career, the southpaw returned to the limelight after joining Bangladesh T20 League 2019-20. The Jamaican player is back in action with the table toppers Chattogram Challengers. The Caribbean batting stalwart holds the record of smashing five centuries in this league and also stockpiled 1338 runs, which is the highest score touched by a foreigner in the most prestigious T20 event of Bangladesh.
Gayle’s retirement has been the subject of speculation for a long time. He was expected to hang up his boots after playing the home series against India in August last year, but he did not. He last played for West Indies in a Test match in Kingston against Bangladesh in September 2014. He was also not part of the West Indies team for India tour last December as he opted out, stating that he needed time to reflect on his future in international cricket. Moreover, he is not playing the ongoing home series against Ireland, but has still found place in Caribbean’s T20 plans in a T20 World Cup year.
Popularly known as the “Universal Boss,” the veteran opener has appeared in T20 leagues across the planet and has garnered over 13,000 runs in over 400 matches with 22 tons.
