Chris Gayle Takes Break, Unavailable For India ODIs

Hours after bidding an explosive farewell to Mzansi Super League, West Indies superstar Chris Gayle has made it clear that retirement is still not on his minds as he said he is instead focused on planning about his future. The West Indies star did not hold back after playing his last game in the MSL for Jozi Stars, saying that he does not get respect from anyone including his teammates whenever he fails with the bat.

Gayle did have a poor outing in the MSL as he managed just 47 runs in first five games before scoring 54 against Tswhane Spartans in his final game. While interacting with the journalists after the game, he made it evident that he was hurt by the constant criticism not just from the media but also from franchise, owners, team managements, coaches and players.

Gayle has now decided to take a break from the game in order to chalk out his plan for next year. Consequently, he has made himself unavailable for West Indies’ upcoming series in India where they will three T20Is and as many ODIs. According to ESPNCricinfo, Gayle will miss the ODIs against India after the selectors checked on his availability for the three-match series. Gayle will instead utilise the time to “recharge” and “reflect” on what he really wants in 2020.

“West Indies called me to play ODIs, but I am not going to play,” Gayle said on Sunday during the media briefing after the Stars’ defeat. “They (selectors) want me to play with the youngsters but for this year I am going to take a break.”

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No BBL and BPL either for Chris Gayle:

Chris Gayle also confirmed that he would not be taking part in the upcoming season of Big Bash League in Australia. He also said that he has no idea about how his name had been listed in one of the teams in the Bangladesh Premier League.

“I am not going to the Big Bash. I’m not sure what cricket will come up, I don’t even know how my name reached the BPL, but I have been drafted in a team and I don’t even know how that happened,” he said.

Chris Gayle’s future has been a topic of discussion for quite some time now. He had initially announced he would retire after the World Cup but played the home series against India. And when he walked back to the pavilion at Queen’s Park Oval by carrying his helmet atop his bat handle, it looked like it was all over for him. But just moments later, he made it clear that he had not announced his retirement yet.

With Gayle in no mood to bring down curtains on his career, he could make a return to action during West Indies’ first assignment next year. The Caribbean outfit will host Ireland in January for three ODIs and three T20Is.