‘Still the best player in the world’ – Chris Gayle backs struggling Virat Kohli to regain his form

Former West Indian cricket legend Chris Gayle has backed Virat Kohli to regain his best with the bat. Kohli was out after scoring just five runs in the second ODI between India and England in Cuttack on Sunday. Pressure has started to mount on Kohli to perform with the bat with Champions Trophy just around the corner. 

Speaking during an event Chris Gayle as quoted by CNBCTV18 said “He is still the best player in the world regardless of the form, Virat Kohli is still the best player, the stats prove that, how many centuries across formats he has scored as well”

The former West Indian skipper also said “t's just one of those things that we cricketers go through in patches. I know it is coming at the back end of his career as well, but these things do happen, so he just needs to pick himself up and come back again”. It is to be noted that Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli were teammates for years at Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Chris Gayle names his top four teams in Champions Trophy 

Former West Indian skipper Chris Gayle was a part of the squad in 2004 as the Caribbean side won their first Champions Trophy title. Ian Bradshaw and Junior Murray’s ninth wicket stand helped West Indies beat hosts England by two wickets to win the title. 

When asked to give his views about former champs missing the tournament, Gayle as quoted by CNBCTV18 said “I am disappointed, no West Indies in the Champions Trophy but it is good to have the Champions Trophy back, so I am looking forward to it"

The former batting legend was asked to name his top four teams of the tournament to which he said “Hopefully, it will be an entertaining one. I know it is actually taking place in Pakistan and Dubai, so hopefully, we will have some entertaining cricket. I'm going to be going off just my mind -India, England, Australia, and probably New Zealand."

If we speak about records, Gayle is the leading run scorer in the history of Champions Trophy with 791 runs from 17 matches. Virat Kohli has scored 529 runs from 13 matches, and need 263 runs to go past Gayle’s record.India's former skipper just has five matches (three in group phase and two if India goes all the way to the finals). 

Chris Gayle was quizzed if Kohli can go past his record of most runs in the tournament, the 45-year-old said “It is easy for him just to get 200 runs. I don't know how many games they will be playing but I am sure he can get over 200 runs, and I am sure he will get a century for sure, so it's just a matter of time before he goes on to break that record”

The former West Indian star also lauded Rohit Sharma for his terrific ton as he said “Congratulations to Rohit, sports always need a new entertainer and Rohit has been entertaining all these years as well I have done it alongside him. So he is the new king in town now. So congrats to him, and hopefully, he goes on to hit more sixes”