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After having a disastrous end to the World Test Championship 2021-2023 Cycle, Indian squad is eyeing on the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The upcoming season is extra special for the team as India will host the biggest ODI tournament after 12 years, and it goes without saying that Men in Blue are all pumped up for the same. India have pulled up their socks and are all set to end their 10-year-long ICC trophy drought by bringing the illustrious trophy home. As India players are training hard for the upcoming tournament, former West Indies star Chris Gayle has made a big statement on India great Virat Kohli.
Former West Indies star expects Kohli to dominate India’s campaign, which will begin from October 8 as they take on Australia in Chennai. Gayle feels Virat Kohli can still play another World Cup and this is not going to be his last. The 34-year-old has delivered a stellar performance since last year’s Asia Cup in UAE, and also made a mark in IPL 2023.
In a conversation with Times of India, Gayle said, “Virat Kohli still has another World Cup in him. I don't think this is going to be his last World Cup. I think he has another World Cup in him. India are favourites, they play at home as well. So, it’s going to be very interesting. We want to see the team they are actually going to select.”
The 43-year-old also said that India will surely have pressure on them as it’s been long since they have won an ICC trophy. Gayle said, “I know India have not won an ICC trophy in a long time and same is the case with us (West Indies). We last won in 2016. Pressure will be on India as they play at home as favourites.”
The Jamaican legend also addressed talks about his retirement and said that he has no immediate plans to call it quits. Notably, Gayle played his last international game in 2021 but continues to make appearances in several leagues. The self-acclaimed ‘Universe Boss’ said, “I don't think there will be any international cricket from my point of view. After the World Cup (in 2021), I was supposed to have a farewell game. It did not happen. We have a new president in place, so I don't see it happening. But I have not made an announcement as yet. I am still active but won't be playing so often."
Notably, the first game of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 will be played on October 5 as the reigning champions England take on 2019 runners-up New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
