ZIM vs SA 2025: 'You've blown it big time' - Chris Gayle slams Wiaan Mulder's declaration decision

West Indies legend Chris Gayle has expressed disappointment over Wiaan Mulder's decision to declare South Africa's innings when he was just 34 runs short of surpassing Brian Lara’s all-time Test record of 400*. Gayle believes Mulder panicked and missed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to etch his name in cricket history.

Mulder scored an unbeaten 367 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, a career-defining innings that has already secured his place in the record books. However, in a surprising and selfless move, the all-rounder opted to declare the innings with South Africa at 626 for 5 shortly after the first session on Day 2.

Remarkably, Mulder reached his triple century in just 297 balls, making it the second-fastest triple-hundred in Test history. Despite the individual brilliance, the declaration has sparked debate, with Gayle suggesting that Mulder should have pushed on to challenge Lara’s historic record.

“If I could get the chance to get 400, I would get 400. Any time you get a chance like that, you try and make the best out of it. Come on, you’re on 367, automatically you have to take a chance at the record,” said Gayle on talkSPORT.

“Maybe he panicked, he didn’t know what to do. If you want to be a legend, how are you going to become a legend? Records come with being a legend,” he added.

Speaking after the match, Mulder explained that he chose not to pursue Lara’s record out of respect for the legendary West Indian. Lara remains the only player in history to score 400 not out in a Test innings. Interestingly, Gayle himself came close to breaking the mark, scoring 333 against Sri Lanka in 2010.

While some critics argued that Mulder’s achievement came against a Zimbabwe side ranked 12th in the world, possibly lessening its significance, Gayle dismissed those claims, insisting that such opportunities are rare regardless of the opposition.

“I think it was an error from his side, not to try and go to get it. We don’t know if he would go on and get it or not. But he declared on 367 and he said what he had to say. But listen, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to get 400 runs in a Test match. Come on, youngster, you’ve blown it big time!,” said Gayle.

“It doesn’t matter the opponent, if you get 100 against any team, that’s a Test century. If you get a double or triple, 400, that’s Test cricket. That’s the ultimate game,” he added.