LEEDS, England, CMC – Moments after playing in what will most likely be his last World Cup match, West Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle said he expects the team’s young players to return the regional side to glory.
The 39-year-old Gayle did not have a good time with the bat in his fifth World Cup, scoring just 242 runs in nine matches at an average of 30.25.
However, Gayle said with the likes of Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran, along with a young captain in Jason Holder, the Windies’ future was in good hands.
“The future looks bright, with Hetmyer, Hope, Pooran — those guys will carry the flag and make sure West Indies cricket is back to where it belongs. They have a young captain in Jason Holder as well.
“I like Nicholas Pooran, Hetmyer; those guys can be devastating as batters. They need to get a bit more mature quickly, we know what they’re all capable of,” Gayle said. The hard-hitting left-hander gave the assurance that he would be willing to assist them in any way he could.
“We have a great bunch; it’s for them to uplift West Indies cricket. I’ll be around. I may be around for a few more games, will be there for the youngsters,” the Jamaican added, regarding his availability for the series against touring India later this summer.
However, Gayle admitted that he was disappointed about not being able to lift the World Cup Trophy.
He said he had been extremely moved by the support which he got from the staff and colleagues during his World Cup swansong.
“The World Cup wasn’t to be but life does go on. I would’ve loved to lift the trophy, but it didn’t happen. But at the same time, it was fun; [I] enjoyed it.
“All the guys rallied around me, [and I] got the support of the youngsters. I must commend the staff for the work ethic they’ve put in. Words can’t explain my feeling at the moment, honestly,” Gayle said.
