Chris Gayle Rates Test Cricket As The 'Ultimate' Format
Published - 23 Jun 2020, 06:23 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:30 AM
Veteran West Indian batsman Chris Gayle is one of the handful of batsmen today, who has played plenty of T20 cricket over the last few years. The destructive left-handed batsman is one of the hottest T20 freelance agents, having plied his trade in various T20 leagues around the globe. However, Chris Gayle believes that playing Test cricket is the most challenging format.
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Chris Gayle is one of the most experienced T20 players, having featured in 404 fixtures. Only Kieron Pollard with 501 and Dwayne Bravo with 455 are ahead of his countryman. His tenure in the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) earned him the Orange Cap for consecutive years in 2011 and 2012. He managed to score 608 and 733 runs.
But despite his enormous success in the shortest format, Gayle labelled Test cricket as the ultimate thing and teaches a player how to live life off the field since five days of cricket is challenging. The 40-year old opines that the longest version tells you how to ensure discipline and how to bounce back from tough circumstances. Chris Gayle played his final Test back in 2014 and has scored 7214 across 103 Tests so far.
“I must say that Test cricket is ultimate. Playing Test cricket gives you that challenge to how to live life off the field as well because playing five days of cricket is very challenging. Test cricket tests you so many times. How often you get out of bed or about to go to bed, you have to make sure that you are disciplined in everything you do. Also when you are struggling, how you have to rebound from tough situations.” Gayle stated in a conversation with Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul.
Even if its not within the sport, there’s always something in open out there for you: Chris Gayle
The Jamaican went on to spell encouraging words for youngsters, stating that Tests prepare a player build their mental strength and toughness. Hence, if things don’t work out within cricket, one has to remember there are other avenues that they can excel in and not give up.
“So, youngsters, Test cricket allows you to test your skills and mental toughness as well withing the game. Just be dedicated, enjoy what you do. Even if its not within the sport, there’s always something in open out there for you.
So, if one thing doesn’t work, always remember there’s another opportunity for you. So please don’t be heartbroken if you are cricketer and don’t make within the cricketing arena,” he added.
