DELHI, India, CMC – Chris Gayle hopes his explosive batting can lift West Indies in the World Cup, but he also wants to be crowned the top all-rounder in the tournament.
Gayle, who also bowls off-spin, is clear about his role and responsibility in the side, and is looking to make a big impression in the competition.
“I want to be the best all-rounder in the World Cup,” he said. “I should be able to do a bit of bowling and get a few wickets as well, and also set up a good total for the team.”
West Indies will open the World Cup against South Africa on Thursday at the Feroz Shah Kotla, and Gayle feels a victory would be a welcome boost for Darren Sammy’s side.
“They are a good all-round team,” he said. “We know their capabilities. They are top quality, and we cannot slacken against them.
“We have play our top game to beat them. Once we get a sniff in, we could actually try, and capitalise on it as much as possible. All teams are beatable.”
He added: “We need a winning start. The first target is to qualify for the quarter-finals, and then anything is possible from there.
“We have not done well in the two World Cups that I played, and I hope things turn around here. We have quality players this time around, and need to have the self belief. We have to take responsibility. We have to go out there and not just put up a fight, but get victories.”
Gayle noted that he has an enormous responsibility to set the right tone for the West Indies batting at the top of the order.
“I see this as possibly my last World Cup,” he said. “I’m not sure I will be around in four years time. I am the first one to face the ball, so I would lead the batting.
“We have to make necessary adjustments. We have a couple of young guys in the side. We know the pitches will be slow, but we would like to wait and see how the conditions are and adjust our game accordingly.”
