Chris Gayle could make dramatic West Indies return

Former captain Chris Gayle is set to be included in the West Indies squad for the first time in two years when they take on Sri Lanka next month.

This is according to a report by ESPN.

The 41-year-old previously said he would be interested to represent the nation once again, and after he left the Quetta Gladiators in the PSL to return to the Caribbean, with the Windies set to announce their squad for the three-match home T20 series next week.

Should he be named and does play against the visiting Sri Lankans, it will be his first international match since an ODI against India in August 2019, while his last T20 international was in March 2019.

He will then return to Pakistan after the final T201 on March 7, with Faf du Plessis already signed as a partial replacement for the Gladiators.

Age no barrier for Gayle

Gayle’s return could also be a boon for the Windies in a year in which they will be preparing to defend their World T20 crown won in India in 2016, when this year’s event takes place, also in India.

The hard-hitting left-hander’s future has been a topic of discussion ever since he said the 2019 World Cup would be his last 50-over international cricket.

However, he did later reverse that decision to play against India later that year.

Following a brief break, Gayle made his return to the field in January 2020, and have featured in various T20 leagues around the world, without ruling out a potential return.

Having joked that he could still play until he is 45, he will be 42 by the time the T20 World Cup takes place.