Former West Indies captain Chris Gayle advocated for the inclusion of the fast-bowling prodigy, Shamar Joseph, in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup to be held at home in June.
Gayle, known for his explosive batting, believes Joseph's impressive debut performance in Australia, where he clinched a five-wicket haul in his maiden test at Adelaide, and followed it up with a remarkable display in Brisbane despite bowling with a broken toe, warrants his selection.
Despite Joseph's limited exposure in domestic T20 matches, Gayle emphasises the necessity of his presence in the squad, citing the need for his formidable bowling prowess alongside Alzarri Joseph. Gayle expresses confidence in the team's depth, noting that having both Josephs available provides flexibility, particularly in case of injuries.
Reflecting on the team's recent successes against formidable opponents like South Africa, India, and England, Gayle commends the leadership of captain Rovman Powell and coach Daren Sammy, a seasoned campaigner who has led the West Indies to T20 World Cup victories in 2012 and 2016.
Gayle highlights the return of Andre Russell to the squad and the experience brought by players like Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran, underscoring their importance in the team's quest for the title. He credits the influence of T20 cricket with transforming the game, making it more dynamic and result-oriented across all formats.
As a T20 pioneer himself, Gayle takes pride in his contribution to the format's growth, particularly recalling his historic century in T20 internationals during the 2007 World Cup. He believes his achievement paved the way for other players to aspire for similar milestones, thereby elevating the appeal of the game.
With the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled to be played in the West Indies and the United States, Gayle looks forward to witnessing the culmination of his sport's evolution on the global stage, where he hopes to see the West Indies reclaim glory.
