After IPL, Gayle keen to leave his mark on India Tests

Chris Gayle has a huge fan following in India courtesy of his exploits in the Indian Premier League. Now he is hoping to replicate that success in the upcoming Test series in India next month.

The tall West Indian, who is regarded as one of the best batsman in the limited-overs’ format, now wants to make a mark in all three formats of the game.

"I want to do more in all formats; there is no doubt about it. However, people tend to remember you more for what you have done recently while what you have done in the past is often forgotten.

“It's no big deal for me, but when I walk away from the game I can look back with pride as an entertainer in all formats. I know what I have done; I don’t need anybody to tell me about it. I have done lot of great things in all formats," he told Gulf News.

Gayle, who plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore, played an unbelievable knock of 175 not out off 66 balls, which included 13 fours and 17 sixes, in the IPL earlier this year to underline his credentials as one of the most destructive batsmen to have ever graced the game.

But the left-hander, who has 15 centuries in Test cricket, including a career-best of 333, says he is hungry for the big knocks in the longer format too.

"I have been through the world and been around with the team for 12-13 years now, but I am still feeling good and hopefully can continue for some more time. I still want to score the double and triple hundreds," he said.

The three-Test series against the West Indies will be a special moment for Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar, who is set to scale the magical landmark of 200 Tests when
he plays in the second Test.

And Gayle, who has played 97 Tests in a career spanning 13 years so far, says the Mumbai batsman deserves all the plaudits for his longevity.

"It’s a great achievement to play 200 Test matches. I have played 97 and I can tell you the toll it takes on the body. The man has scored so many runs over such a long period of time and still has a tremendous work ethic ... he’s an absolute masterclass," he said.

The 34-year-old revealed he is eagerly waiting for the India Test series, as it is something he has never experienced before in his career despite making so many visits to the country.

"I am really looking forward to the two Test matches. We have had a good break but it will be work time again when we regroup together and do the rebuilding stuff. Personally speaking, I have never played a Test match in India and hope it can give me a good start to the season," he added.

The tall left-hander is happy with his showing since his comeback to the West Indies team last year and believes they have the team to upset India in their own backyard.

"I must say the comeback has been good so far. We have won six consecutive Test matches and hopefully, can make it seven in a row by winning the first one against India. I feel I still have a lot to offer to West Indies cricket in all formats of the game," he said.

He dismissed the idea of senior players playing mentor to the new players in the team, saying: "We have quite a few youngsters at the moment, but at the same time but I feel it’s better if they learn quickly rather than having somebody mentor them. Yes, I am always available for discussion and any advice if needed. We all communicate well, there is always a buzz in the dressing room and the team is doing well."