Chris Gayle: It’s always going to be one Universe Boss | Cricket News – Times of India

SURAT: Amid the uproar of the fans in a timid Surat evening, the blade of Chris Gayle started heaving fire, once again, with a fiery knock of 84 off 55 balls sending shock waves across the opposition dressing room.
Having batted first in the eliminator of Legends League Cricket 2023 against Gujarat Giants, Gautam Gambhir-led India Capitals posed a mammoth target of 224 runs.
Although Gayle’s familiar, no-nonsense batting made the Capitals’ total look small at one stage of the game, the departure of the Caribbean slogger, off a brilliant delivery from Isuru Udana, eventually led to a collective demise, with the home team falling short in the penultimate over and subsequently getting knocked out of the tournament.
Despite the defeat, the fans that had come to relive and celebrate the glorious past of their heroes were not devoid of a smirk as the “Universe Boss” had already delivered them a spectacle to remember for ages.
It was Chris Gayle who was getting the crowd fired up with his quirky moves both on and off the field. Rejuvenated by the West Indian’s presence, fans would often hold up his posters and paper cuttings in an attempt to win a chance to get featured on the big screen.

As the curtains fell on the 44-year-old’s appearance in the Legends League Cricket this year, Gayle spoke to TimesofIndia.com in a post-match interaction. Amid reflections on his consistent ability to deliver thunderous shots, the West Indian icon also shared insights into his expectations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Excerpts:
What does it take to be Chris Gayle?
It takes a lot of dedication and a lot of discipline as well. I know I’ve been doing it over the years, but it’s something kind of, you know, come natural, but not only natural. And I’ve worked on my game back then, but now, pretty much you’re not playing international cricket, so there are still the memories kind of kicking in, and the cells just react within the body. I guess it’s still pretty much played through the line, and I hit those big hits.
Do you see someone like you in the current West Indies team?
Nah, man! Like I said, it’s always going to be one ‘Universe Boss’. When I’ve seen the West Indies wherever in the world, it’s only one. One Chris Gayle, one Universe Boss.

West Indies are hosting the T20 World Cup next year. So what are your expectations from them?
Well, my expectation is to bring Chris Gayle back to hit some big sixes (laughs). It’s not a possibility. No, that’s not a possibility.
Like I said, it’s in the West Indies, it’s a good chance for them. They didn’t qualify for the 50-over World Cup, so they have the World Cup now at home. It’s a good showcase to give the fans, the Caribbean people, something to cheer about because we missed out on the last World Cup here in India.
So being the hosts, there’s a bit more pressure here as well, but we want to see the youngsters actually play a part and make the fans a bit proud, regardless of what happens (with the outcome).