West Indies claimed their second victory of the tournament on July 4, over a month since the ruthless dismantling of a Pakistan side who have gone on to outlive and outfight their conquerors, and with that, the Universe Boss was done.
There were no fireworks with the bat – a single boundary in a twenty-one-minute stay that yielded seven final World Cup runs – but it didn’t matter: West Indies’ new guard sensed the opportunity to give their hitherto trailblazing big man the send-off he desperately wanted.
The catch in the deep; a wicket with the ball; draped in West Indian colours and sinking Red Stripes on the balcony. This was the way it was supposed to end, if not in the context of a dismal campaign and six defeats on the spin.
Gayle may not bow out at his brilliant best but his presence is indelibly etched in a team culture he has done so much to inspire: “I’ll be telling the youngsters to demolish bowlers,” and it does not sound like he will be departing with immediate effect. A series against India may be in the pipeline, contingent on selection, and of course, there will be no stopping him should the man himself chooses to remain involved in the setup, in whatever remit.
“We have a great bunch, some great youngsters as well and it’s up to them to lift West Indies cricket from here on. I will still be around, and give my input to West Indies cricket. I still have a few more games left as well, so we’ll see what happens.”
