Chris Gayle postpones international retirement until after India series

The 39-year-old stated in February that he would quit after the ongoing World Cup but has seemingly changed his mind

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West Indies opener Chris Gayle has said he will retire from international cricket after their home series against India in August ahead of the two sides' World Cup clash at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old announced in February that he was planning to call it quits after the ongoing World Cup, but Gayle now appears to have had a change of heart and prolonged his international career.

Gayle said he wants to play a Test match and the ODIs against India after the World Cup, but mentioned that he will not be representing the West Indies in the T20Is.

"It's still not the end. I still have a few games to go," he said.

^{Gayle initially announced in February that he would retire after the World Cup}

"Maybe another series to go, as well. Who knows, we will see what happens. My plans are for the World Cup.

"Maybe a Test match against India and then I'll play, definitely play the ODIs against India. I won't play the T20s. That's my plan after World Cup."

Gayle may not have left the international scene quite yet and is renowned for his feats in white-ball cricket, but he is in no doubt that his finest achievements have come in the longer format of the game.

"Two triple centuries in Test cricket [are my most memorable moments]. Those two will definitely be on top. A double century in the World Cup as well. Those are a couple of the moments to come up with at this particular time, but there's a lot more to actually talk about.

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"But if I get into detail it will be a long list, to be honest with you. But I'll stick with those for now."

When Gayle does eventually call it day though, he has no doubt that the young players coming through will be more than capable of filling his "Universe Boss" shoes.

^{Gayle believes Pooran has a bright future}

"Mini-universe boss, that's a serious name. Definitely the future is bright for West Indies cricket, without a doubt. The likes of Nicholas Pooran and [Shimron] Hetmyer, his name has been calling in all forms of the game so far.

"I must commend Pooran's work ethic. It's fantastic for a youngster to actually just come into the team. And he's going to be a world record beater, [knocking on the wood].

"Pooran is going to be a savage youngster, trust me on that one. And like I said, [Darren] Bravo has been around for some time. And Shai Hope as well. He's a guy who actually may be a future captain as well. So he's got a start, I think, going down that line as well."

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