Indecisive Chris Gayle's wrangle highlights the retirement predicament

NICK HOWSON AT HEADINGLEY: The West Indies legend has seemingly U-turned on his intention to hang up his bat but will he been seen again on the international stage?

Michael Phelps, Michael Jordan, Justine Henin and Floyd Mayweather Jr. It is a list which would grace any hall of fame or Monte Carlo award ceremony. They all dominated their sport before their departure at the very top left a void impossible to fill.

And then came the second coming, as each found themselves unable to deal with life without elite competition. Olympic golds, MVP awards, a grand slam final and world titles followed as demons were exercised and unfinished business was complete.

Retirement in any walk of life is difficult to comprehend. Much of the human race is hardwired to have a purpose and it takes a major phycological adjustment to deal with such a seismic change. Sadly, the average career span of a sportsperson is alarmingly short, leading to many suffering from personal problems once their bodies give up on them.

It is, therefore, no surprise that Chris Gayle, the West Indies' own version of any of the aforementioned sporting heroes, is finding international retirement difficult to commit to.

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Speaking in February, the 39-year-old was rather unequivocal about his future beyond the World Cup. "I'm looking to draw the line - or should I say cut the string - let the youngsters have some fun and I can sit back in the party stand," he said.

If you needed any further convincing, Gayle followed those comments by posting an image of himself on Instagram, six pack glistening, beach shorts and sunglasses in tow, in front of a cocktail bar surrounded by a swimming pool. The most relaxed cricketer on the planet was road-testing his new existence.

Billed as his final appearance in the Carribean for the ODI series against England, Gayle smashed 424 runs, averaged 106, struck two centuries with a top score of 162 across four games. He was seemingly leaving the sport in a similar manner to which he had graced it, with a flourish.

The World Cup has been an altogether different story. Despite becoming the most prolific six-hitter in tournament history, just two half-centuries have followed, with one duck. Furthermore, Gayle has embodied something of a pantomime horse in the field, ironic cheers greeting every unedifying movement. Think more Ann Widdecombe than Mark Ramprakash.

^{The innings against Afghanistan is likely to be Chris Gayle's last in the World Cup}

Much like some of the Windies team, the Jamaican has looked unfit and inadequate for the challenge of 50-over international cricket, which has become an increasingly physical proposition. Though not a fitting exit from this level of the game, it was impossible not to feel that it wasn't before time.

But just over a week before what should have been his international bow against Afghanistan at Headingley, Gayle dropped one of the more inevitable bombshells in recent memory. This World Cup would not be his last appearance in maroon. Next year's T20 showcase could be in the offing. The ODIs against India too. And maybe even a Test match.

Considering the reasons for this U-turn are headache inducing. Perhaps Gayle doesn't want his legacy to be defined by such a jarring tournament. Maybe the restructured West Indies Cricket Board are ready to commit funds to keep him. It could even be a way of enhancing his T20 franchise pay packets.

Naturally, such indecisiveness has been met with scepticism. Gayle struggles to get through ODI matches, so the idea he could end a five-year exile from Test cricket is fanciful to say the least.

^{Chris Gayle has not played Test cricket since 2014}

And even in dispatches during the last five weeks, Gayle has found it impossible to resist from enhancing his status as an enigma even against the backdrop of an elite international tournament. His photo opportunity with pop star Rihanna makes you wonder who was having the picture with who, while the continual pushing of the 'Universe Boss' nickname is either exuberant or arrogant, depending on which you prefer.

There is at least one reason to resume his ODI career, having failed to surpass Brian Lara as the highest West Indies run-scorer after contributing just seven against the Afghans. He needs 11 more for the record, a landmark he seemingly tried to get to in one shot after an alarming slog to edge Dawlat Zadran behind.

Trudging off the field it was hard to deduce if this was indeed Gayle's final bow. He has never left the field with much urgency and didn't even acknowledge his audience until he stepped over the boundary rope. Au revoir but not goodbye, perhaps.

Fortune tellers might be well advised to assess the ceremony which took place prior to play before attempting to predict the next move. The Windies pre-game huddle ended with every player and team official to a man shaking hands and embracing with Gayle. Granted, this could have been to signify his last World Cup outing but such was the warmth of the exchanges and the speech which preceded it, perhaps there was something more valedictorian at play.

Though you would forgive Gayle another swan song (T20 leagues around the world will keep him gainfully employed for some years to come) what is more important is that he finds proper closure. Never been a man to overthink things, he deserves that, at least.

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