Those guys have to make a call for themselves – Chris Gayle on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s T20I future

Legendary Chris Gayle reckons Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have to make a call for themselves regarding their T20 World Cup participation. The veteran duo last played for India in the T20I format in the 2022 T20 World Cup and since then they have not been picked in the T20I team.

Rohit and Virat were at their best in the recently concluded ODI World Cup. Rohit scored 597 runs in 11 matches of the World Cup 2023 at an average of 54.27 and a blistering strike rate of 125.95. The talisman scored three fifties and one century in the ODI showpiece.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli finished the tournament as the highest run-getter with 765 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.32. Ergo, he was awarded Player of the Tournament for his consistent performances.

Meanwhile, Kohli has scored 4008 runs in 115 T20Is at an average of 52.74, Rohit has amassed 3853 runs in 148 T20Is at an average of 30.82.

“Those guys have to make a call for themselves. If they want to play, why not? They have done a lot for the country and they deserve to make a call on themselves,” said Gayle while speaking to IANS.

Gayle hailed Rohit Sharma’s aggressive batting style in the ODI World Cup, which played a key role in India’s success.

“I like his aggressive batting. I want batters to destroy bowlers and Rohit Sharma is one of them who does that,” added Gayle.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli scored his 50th ODI century against New Zealand in the World Cup semifinal and broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record. Gayle showered praise on his former RCB teammate for his consistency.

“To get the 50 ODI century is unbelievable. It was just fantastic to break the record of a legendary player like Sachin Tendulkar. And I don’t see anyone getting close to that record,” stated Gayle.

On the other hand, Gayle is currently plying his trade in Legends League Cricket as he is playing for Gujarat Giants. He scored 38(24) and 52(27) in the opening two outings.

“Cricket is my life, it is in my blood and it has given me everything. So when you get a chance to play cricket in a league like Legends League Cricket ( LLC), it is fantastic to be here. It is a win-win situation for everybody,” said Gayle.