West Indies swashbuckling opening batsman Chris Gayle, who recently announced that he would bid adieu to ODIs after the 2019 World Cup 2019 in England and Wales, has described himself as the ‘greatest player in the world’.
When asked if he is satisfied with his career, the 39-year-old said that he is a great man and would take the tag of the ‘Universe Boss’ to his grave.
“You’re looking at a great man.I’m the greatest player in the world. Of course, I’m still the Universe Boss. That will never change. I’ll take that to the grave,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Gayle as saying.
Looking forward to a fairy-tale swansong by winning the ICC tournament, Gayle said that it’s time to give youngsters anopportunity to come forward and show their talent.
“Yes, I’m looking to draw the line after the World Cup. Or should I say cut the string? Definitely, in 50-over cricket, the World Cup is the end for me. I’ll let the youngsters have some fun and I can sit back in the party stand and watch them have some fun,” Gayle said.
“Winning the World Cup would be a fairy-tale finish. The youngsters owe it to me to win. They have to do that for me and try and get me the trophy. I’ll be looking to put my input in as well,” he added.
However, it will not be an end of Gayle’s international career as he has not ruled himself out of playing for the Windies in the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in late 2020.
Gayle is also ready to feature in ECB’s inaugural hundred-ball competition in 2020.
“If I don’t start it, it won’t be a tournament. I guess England should invite me over. Then I’ll explode the tournament and say ‘thank you guys; bring in a youngster now.’ I’ll set the trend like I did in all tournaments around the world,” the Jamaican star said.
“I’m in good condition. The body is feeling good and I’m pleased with that. I’ve lost a bit of weight and I don’t want to get too big. I’m still working on my six pack. I’m trying to keep up with the youngsters in the field who are like cats the way they chase the ball. I still have it in me and I’m still enjoying it,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Gayle is just 273 runs short of becoming the 14th man and second West Indies player to score 10,000 runs in ODIs.
The part-time off-spinner, who has a total of 255 scalps to his name in the three formats, will look to reach the 10,000-run mark when he will lock horns with England in the five-match ODI series starting on February 20.
Gayle will also be seen in action during the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) beginning March 23, where he will open for Kings XI Punjab along with KL Rahul.
