Chris Gayle proves yet again why he is 'Universal Boss'

When Windies legend Brian Lara left, he was there. When Ramnaresh Sarwan called it a day, he was there. When Shivnarine Chandrapaul hung his boots, he was there. When DJ Bravo retired, he was still there. And when Bravo brother made a comeback, the Universal boss was still there.

Seldom we an individual blend dedication and grit, while epitomizing the facet named perfection in the most beautiful way possible. Whenever the 39-year-old Jamaica-born steps onto the field, it feels that national crest is imbibed on his chest.

With yet another stupendous display at the iconic National Cricket Stadium, St George’s, Grenada, the Universal Boss aka Chris Henry Gayle registered his 25^th ODI century to add another feather to his already glorious tally.

Even the greatest of statistician will find it difficult to suggest how many times this individual has daunted the opposition. His consistency over the years across all formats makes him different from the crowd.

RELATED

Time and again, he has proved that ‘pressure’ is nothing but a word of the dictionary. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that every time he steps stands in the middle, he carries the expectation of a billion people.

And even yesterday, though he wasn’t able to get his team over the line, for his superlative efforts, if one has to mark, it will be 10 on 10. After England posted 418 runs on the board, it looked as if Windies will not come anywhere near to this total. However, Gayle had some other story to tell.

He scored 162 runs off 97 deliveries at an astonishing strike-rate of 167.01. His innings was laced with 11 boundaries and 14 mighty sixes. And even when Windies team fell short of 29 runs and even when the commentators adjudicated Jos Buttler as the man-of-the-match, the game will always be remembered with Chris Gayle’s innings.

With Gayle announcing retirement from all forms of International Cricket post the forthcoming World Cup, this innings was one to remember as he was at his VINTAGE BEST.

Thank you, Universal BOSS!

HIGHLIGHTS

• England takes a 2-1 lead in five-match ODI series.
• Joss Buttler was awarded as the man-of-the-match. 
• Chris Gayle registers his 25th ODI ton.