Former West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are entitled to make their own decision on their participation in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Rohit and Kohli had a fantastic performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. They both played exceptionally well with the bat, guiding India to the finals. Kohli emerged as the leading run-scorer of the tournament, scoring 765 runs. Meanwhile, Rohit scored 597 runs with an impressive average of 54.27 and a fearsome strike rate of over 125.
The sad loss in the 2022 World Cup semifinal in Australia has prevented the two superstars from playing T20Is for India. The forthcoming Twenty20 World Cup featuring Rohit and Kohli, who are 35 and 36, respectively, has been a major talking point among pundits and cricket enthusiasts.
Chris Gayle spoke to IANS on the sidelines of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) on the duo competing in the T20 World Cup next year.
“Those guys have to make a call for themselves. If they want to play, why not? They have done a lot for the country and they deserve to make a call on themselves.”
Chris Gayle
Gayle also complimented Rohit for surpassing him in total sixes across formats.
“I like his aggressive batting. I want batters to destroy bowlers and Rohit Sharma is one of them who does that.”
Chris Gayle
While Gayle has 553 maximums in 483 games, Rohit has eclipsed him with 582 from only 462 games.
The Universe Boss also congratulated his former Royal Challengers Bangalore colleague Virat Kohli for breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most ODI hundreds.
“To get the 50 ODI century is unbelievable. It was just fantastic to break the record of a legendary player like Sachin Tendulkar. And I don’t see anyone getting close to that record.”
Chris Gayle
Kohli reached his 50th ODI century in India’s semi-final win against New Zealand in the recently concluded World Cup.
“Cricket is my life, it is in my blood” – Chris Gayle on playing in the LLC
Despite his age, Chris Gayle showed enthusiasm for taking part in the Legends League Cricket (LLC) to give back to the game.
The West Indian has been in command for the Gujarat Giants, scoring 38(24) and 52(27) in the first two games.
“Cricket is my life, it is in my blood and it has given me everything. So when you get a chance to play cricket in a league like Legends League Cricket ( LLC) , it is fantastic to be here. It is a win-win situation for everybody.”
Chris Gayle
He expressed his joy about partnering with Jacques Kallis, a South African cricket legend, during his second time participating in the competition.
On Sunday, November 26th, the southpaw will face the Urbanrisers Hyderabad in Dehradun.