Team India gives Chris Gayle heartwarming farewell as he signs off

Emotions were high all around as Chris Gayle walked out to bat for West Indies for one last time on Wednesday. One of the greatest batsmen to have played the game for West Indies, Gayle’s last appearance came in the third ODI against India. Gayle came out to bat sporting a jersey with number 301 – the number of ODIs he has played – on its back. Gayle usually wears No. 45. During the second ODI of the ongoing series, he went past Brian Lara’s record of 299 ODIs to become the most capped West Indies player.

During this series, Gayle also went past Lara’s career tally of 10,405 ODI runs, the most by a West Indies player. Gayle had earlier announced that the World Cup would be his last international assignment. However, towards the end of the tournament he decided to play the home series against India. He had said he wanted to play the ODIs and Tests against India, perhaps to bow out in front of his home fans in Kingston. However, West Indies decided against giving Gayle a farewell Test.

Gayle, nonetheless, entertained the crowd in Trinidad with a trademark knock and bowed out of the game on a high. After West Indies won the toss and decided to bat first, Gayle started off with a maiden. However, it was not a precursor of the things that were to follow as he shifted gears in a blink of an eye.

By the time Virat Kohli caught him off Khaleel Ahmed, Gayle had smashed 72 from just 41. 62 of his 71 runs came in boundaries as he slammed eight sixes and five fours. Gayle combined with Evin Lewis to bring up West Indies’ first century opening partnership at home since February 2014, in the 10th over.

Fitting farewell for Chris Gayle

Team India gave a deserving farewell to the legendary batsman. As soon as Gayle was caught, each and every member of the team walked up to Gayle to congratulate him. In fact, India skipper Virat Kohli hugged Gayle and also did the trademark high-five. West Indies dressing room also gave a standing ovation to Gayle as the Universe Boss walked out of the field.

Here is the clip

farewell to chris gayle by Indian players #chrisgayle #universalboss #HappyIndependenceDay #viratkohli #rohitsharma pic.twitter.com/QjsdKAL5qV

— Preetham N A (@Preethamna) August 14, 2019