While cricket experts and fans across the world are still discussing and debating as to who among Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson is the best batsman of the current generation, ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle has no such confusion. In his views, he is not only the best batsman of this generation, but also of all time, including the era in which Sir Donald Bradman played.
After bludgeoning a record-breaking 146* off 69 balls in the final of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in Mirpur on Wednesday, the swashbuckling West Indian declared himself the greatest batsman of all time. “I’m the greatest batsman of all time,” Gayle said when asked if he was the Don Bradman of T20s.
Playing for Rangpur Riders, Gayle smashed 18 sixes during his whirlwind hundred to help his team post a mammoth 206/1 in the summit clash with pre-tournament favourites, Dhaka Dynamites. In reply, the Dynamites could muster only 149/9.
This was Gayle’s fifth hundred in BPL and 20th overall in the shortest version of the game. Speaking in his usual pompous style, he also went on to dub his innings as one of his best ever. “I would put it in the top five, certainly for the occasion as well. I will have to reflect where this takes place. It is right up there,” he was quoted as saying by a popular cricket website.
Gayle shared an unbeaten stand of 201 runs for the second wicket with former Kiwi skipper, Brandon McCullum, who was happy to play second fiddle to the big Jamaican. Talking about his strategy during the epic knock, the West Indian said that he, along with McCullum, decided to bat as deep as possible after Rangpur lost Jonathan Charles early. “It was important for one of us to bat right through the innings. It actually set the momentum for us,” he said.
Gayle also managed to keep Dhaka’s trump card, Sunil Narine, at bay and he said it was part of his team’s plan. The West Indian also praised McCullum for providing him able support at the other end.
