Stars’ dreams halted by coronavirus: No. 3 — Chris Gayle's World Cup farewell in doubt

Has Chris Gayle, the 'Universe Boss,' played his last match in international cricket? There has been a fair amount of ‘Will he, won’t he’ about his availability to turn out in the maroon shirt, with questions over fitness issues and form. During an interaction with the media during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) earlier this year, Gayle had expressed his desire to play in the World T20 later this year in Australia. “It would be nice (to play in the next T20 WC),” he said.

Now 40, Chris Gayle is easily the oldest active player in cricket today - be it in international or franchise cricket. Asked how long he plans to continue, Gayle surprised all by saying he wanted to play on till 45. “A lot of people still want to see Chris Gayle out in the middle. I still have that love for the game and that passion for the game. I would love to carry on as long as possible in T20 and franchise cricket as well.”

The 2019 ICC World Cup in England was billed to be Gayle's last appearance in one-day cricket with but later, the West Indian had a change of heart. He went on to play in the ODI series against India during which he reached the landmark of 300 one-day appearances. While he is keen on playing the World T20 later this year Down Under, the uncertainty over the Indian Premier League may rob him a chance to test his match fitness and eventually a call-up to the national team. Brian Lara has observed in a recent interview that senior pros like Gayle or Dwayne Bravo needed to prove themselves in the IPL to force themselves back in the reckoning.

One of the hardest strikers of the cricket ball in contemporary cricket, Gayle in form has sent shivers down the spine of rival bowlers. However, his fun-loving nature and love for practical jokes has always endeared him even among the rival camps. Indian skipper Virat Kohli, an erstwhile teammate of Gayle in the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore, gives him the bear hug as other players look on after he played his last ODI in a three-match series after the World Cup last year.

Gayle has turned out for three of the eight teams in IPL - Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and now Kings XI Punjab (pictured). No one has possibly played for more franchises across the world, as the following list will testify: Barisal Burners, Chattogram Challengers, Chittagong Vikings, Dhaka Gladiators, Jamaica Tallawahs, Karachi Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lahore Qalandars, Lions, Matabeleland Tuskers, Melbourne Renegades, Rangpur Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Somerset, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Stanford Superstars, Sydney Thunder and Vancouver Knights.

The UAE has witnessed several of his trademark innings, be it in West Indies colours or IPL (2014), Pakistan Super League and the T20 leagues. Sports headline writers have, over the years, never tired of using the cliche 'Gayleforce' to describe his breezy innings.

It will be, however, a travesty of justice to categorise Gayle only as a champion of the T20 format. Ever since his international debut way back in 1999, Gayle had walked tall as the most influential batsman from the islands after the great Lara - desite having his share of run-ins with the establishment and missing out on a number of years of international cricket. His penchant for tall scores in the longest form of the game deserves a mention as he is one of the only four batsmen who has scored two triple centuries in Tests: 317 (versus South Africa) & 333 (versus Sri Lanka).

Gayle's contribution as a mingy off-break bowler, both in international and franchise cricket, does not often get enough mention during his assessment as a cricketer. He has opened the bowling at power plays and given his teams breakthroughs on several occasions, while his unique celebrations (remember his Gangnam dance) gives it an unique flavour.

Come on, maan: Gayle strikes a pose with Yuvraj Singh, retired Indian allrounder and yet another entertainer in his own right, during a promotional event in Dubai late last year.

Staying fit in times of lockdown, the Chris Gayle way: the West Indian released a video on his official twitter handle to drive home the message of staying at home and yet staying fit in the times of coronavirus pandemic. Cricket fans can only pray to see him back in action soon.