Chris Gayle postpones his retirement plans, India series to be last

West Indian batting legend Chris Gayle has reversed his earlier decision of retiring from international cricket after the World Cup. In the latest interview, the 39-year old has declared that the following India tour will be his last assignment as an international cricketer. In February, the opener had announced that the World Cup will be his last in the West Indian colours.

Speaking before the India match at Manchester, Gayle said, “It’s still not the end. I still have a few games to go. May be another series to go, as well. Who knows, we will see what happens. My plans after World Cup? I may play a Test match against India and then I will definitely play the ODIs against India. I won’t play the T20s. That’s my plan after the World Cup.”

Before the World Cup commenced, the West Indian opener had a different answer when the questions about the end of his career were asked. His then reply was him looking to “let the youngsters have some fun and I can sit back in the party stand.”

Even the team captain Jason Holder was unaware of this development and was pleasantly surprised when his media manager informed him about it. “He didn’t really say anything in the dressing room. But, yeah, it’s great and it’s great for cricket…if he’s dedicated to playing for West Indies any longer, I feel it’s definitely going to benefit us having him around,” said Holder.

West Indies will be hosting India for a full-fledged tour that consists of three T20Is, three ODIs and two Test matches. The tour shall take place in August and September. Gayle, who wishes to retire after the series, has represented West Indies in 103 Tests and has contributed 7,215 runs which include two triple centuries. In 294 ODIs, the left-hander has amassed 10,345 runs while he has 1,627 runs in 58 T20Is.