(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] West Indies legend Chris Gayle opined on Virat Kohli’s ODI future, saying that the 2023 World Cup could be his swansong if India do not win the trophy.
Gayle mentioned that Kohli can continue as his fitness is still at its peak. However, if India again fail in their attempt to win an ICC title that has eluded them since last 10 years, it will be difficult for Kohli to retain his place, as per the Jamaican.
“As a player, I think he will have
that in the back of his mind that this could be his last World Cup as
well. Say India doesn’t win the World Cup, it might be a bit of a worry
for him to actually, to play the next World Cup as well. But he’s a fit
guy. He can go on for five more years with ease, to be honest with you.
But the main point is India winning the World Cup. He’s fantastic, he’s
India’s best player. A fantastic guy to actually take the baton and
lead from the front as well with Rohit. But like I said, this is going
to be in the back of his mind to say, if we don’t win this World Cup,
I’m pretty much in trouble here. And he’s going to score runs, without a
doubt. He’s a run machine. So, the result is what’s going to be key for
the Indian team and him,” Gayle was quoted as saying on Jamie Alter’s YouTube podcast ‘The Spirit of Cricket’.
Gayle, who took the West Indies cricket to great heights in his playing days, is left disappointed because the Men in Maroon did not manage to qualify for the upcoming World Cup. They played the qualifiers this year. After suffering a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Scotland, they lost all the chances of making it to the main competition.
The marks the first instance of the West Indies not featuring in an ODI World Cup.
“West Indies not in the World Cup, that’s disappointing from a personal point of view, it’s heartbreaking. Where we are basically now, we can look to actually rebuild. When I say rebuild, I mean four years for the next World Cup. I know they have a T20 World Cup next year, but they have a chance to look at different players. We don’t have many players, to be honest with you.
“We have a new coach in Darren Sammy and the board can only really give him the support he needs and the players can rally around him as well. They need to come up with a plan, which is going to be key for West Indies. These series coming up as well, there need to win them to take away a bit of the talk about West Indies not being at the World Cup. You don’t want to play series and continue to lose. Whatever it is, Test or T20I or ODI, you have to look to win them. Play hard, try and gain some face for the fans as well after not making the World Cup. You need to structure it out and plan accordingly for the next World Cup in four years,” he stated further.
The upcoming World Cup will run in India for 45 days. The event starts with the opening clash, scheduled between England and New Zealand on October 5 in Ahmedabad.