Universe Boss also praises Pooran as the best T20 batter, backs RCB to lift IPL 2025 under Rajat Patidar’s leadership, and hails Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 141.
Delhi, April 13: Cricket legend Chris Gayle has come out in strong support of Indian veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, urging the cricketing fraternity not to sideline the duo from Test cricket amid growing criticism over their recent form.
Speaking at the launch of Pro Cricket League Season 2, where Gayle is set to represent Ghaziabad Bhawani Tigers, the West Indies icon remarked:
“Of course, they are still going. These guys still have a lot of cricket in them. Don’t push them out. The cricketing world needs those guys as much as possible. They still bring a lot of value to international cricket. The longer they are around, the better it is for the cricketing world.”
Gayle’s comments come ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England, beginning June 20, which also marks the start of India’s ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. However, both Kohli and Rohit’s Test form has come under intense scrutiny after a dismal 2024-25 season. Rohit managed just 164 runs in 8 Tests at an average of 10.93, while Kohli scored 382 runs in 10 matches, averaging 22.87.
💬 Gayle on RCB’s IPL 2025 Campaign
The Universe Boss, a former star of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), also shared optimism about RCB’s IPL 2025 campaign under young captain Rajat Patidar:
“They’ve got a beautiful start, beating Chennai in Chennai. I’m still backing them. The young captain looks really good and positive. Hopefully they go all the way this time.”
With four wins from six games, RCB currently sit third on the points table and look well-positioned for a playoff push.
🔥 Nicholas Pooran: T20’s Most Explosive Batter?
Gayle heaped praise on Nicholas Pooran, calling him “the best T20 batter on the planet.” Pooran has been on fire in IPL 2025, leading the Orange Cap race with 349 runs in 6 matches, averaging 69.80 with a blistering strike rate of 215+.
“He is striking the ball so well. Maybe he can get 175-180 on his day. It’s good to see him score so consistently,” Gayle added.
👏 Abhishek Sharma’s Heroics for SRH
Gayle also applauded Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking 141 off 55 balls for Sunrisers Hyderabad, which helped chase down a mammoth 246-run target against Punjab Kings:
“141 in 55 balls is fantastic. Travis Head and he are a great opening pair. It’s great to see left-handers like him and Pooran dominate the IPL.”
As India looks ahead to a challenging English summer and IPL 2025 heats up, Gayle’s endorsement of the veterans and new stars alike offers a reminder of the sport’s balance between experience and youth—and why both deserve their moment under the sun.