Windies take on India in World Twenty20 showdown
Chris Gayle is determined to grab the World Twenty20 limelight back from batsman Virat Kohli when the West Indies and India clash in a mouthwatering semi-final in Mumbai on Thursday.
Issued on:
Virat Kohli has been the star of the tournament thus far, expertly guiding India through the group stages and scoring 184 runs at an impressive average of 92.
West Indies captain Darren Sammy had no qualms in conceding that Team India were the favourites in Thursday’s World Twenty20 semifinal clash.
But said that having the world’s “best T20 cricketer” in Chris Gayle does even out the scales to an extent.
The opener has batted just once since, scoring four against South Africa as the West Indies topped Group 1 to set up the last-four clash with the hosts.
"This is a perfect opportunity to try and pick up where I left off, get a big one for the team and put them in a winning position," said Gayle.
The Jamaican cricketer acknowledged that India have the momentum but believes "anything is possible".
Smelling the danger, India's coach Ravi Shastri said his bowlers were determined to tame Gayle.
"Bring it on. All our bowlers will target him," said Shastri in his eve-of-match press conference.
India have drafted in batsman Manish Pandey in place of all-rounder Yuvraj Singh who has been ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury from Sunday's victory over Australia.
New Delhi have lost only once in the competition - their opening game against New Zealand, whilst the West Indies tarnished their record in the Super 10 stage by losing to Afghanistan by six runs in their final match.
Whatever Thursday's outcome, this 'clash of titans' between Gayle and Kohli promises to be one helluva game.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning
Subscribe