"Don't push them out, they still bring a lot of value ...": Gayle supports Rohit-forat to tour England

By Sahil Kohli Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India]April 13 (Ani): West Indian cricketicon Chris Gayle supported the Indian batting pair Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to continue with tests during the tour to England and say the longer they are, the better for the cricket world. Gayle spoke on the sidelines of the launch of the second season of the Pro Cricket League, in which he will play Ghaziabad Bhawani Tigers. Gayle talked to Ani about the celebrated few fighters, who flew for their poor test returns. Gayle said: ‘Of course they still go, these guys still have a lot of cricket. Don’t put them out. The cricket world needs these guys as much as possible. It’s great to make them drive around. Cricket world. “The Indian tour of England this year of five Tests will begin the ICC World Test Championship of India 2025-27 from June 20. However, the Indian camp has a major concern to tackle the series: the form of veterans Rohit and Virat in tests, which was a lot of nose, which contributed to the team’s first series at New Zealand and Year. The 2024-25 season of tests was miserable for ‘RO-KO’. Months have undergone a dip, Virat’s struggles to regain his dominance with whites. Rajat Patidar spent the beginning of the start of his former Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the ongoing season, which led Rajat Patidar to go all the way under a ‘young, positive’ captain. “They got a beautiful start and beat Chennai in Chennai (in their second game). It’s fantastic. I still support them. Hopefully this time they go all the way. The young captain (Rajat Patidar) looks really good and positive. I hope he continues it. The senior guys around him are going to support him. ‘ So far, RCB is in third place in the points table, with four wins and two losses. Gayle also led compatriot and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Nicholas Pooran as the best T20 batter on the planet and said: “He hits the ball so well. Maybe he can get his day 175-180. He’s in a good shape. It’s good to see how he is so consistent.” In the running season, Pooran is at the top of the Orange Cap rankings for most runs, with 349 runs in six games at an average of 69.80 and a strike rate of more than 215. He has hit four fifties so far, with the best score of 87*. He has beaten 26 fours and 31 sixes in IPL 2025 so far. Since his early last year, Pooran has dominated the batting cards with 2,981 runs in 93 games and 90 innings at an average of 42.58 and a strike rate from above 162. He recorded a century and 22 fifties and hit 218 sixes, most with a batter. ‘The Universe Boss’ also appreciates Indian left -hander Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 141 in just 55 balls (with 14 fours and 10 sixes) that helped Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) make a lightwork of 246 runs set by Punjab Kings (PBKS). “I swear I haven’t seen it, but it’s a fantastic turn. 141 in 55 balls is great. Travis head and he’s going to burn weapons and is a wonderful opening pair. It’s great to see these left -handers, including Pooran, dominate the IPL,” he concluded. (Ani) first published: 13 Apr 2025, 08:53 PM IST