“Universe Boss the mentor”: Gayle open to new roles in cricket

Two-time T20 World Cup winner, ICC Champions Trophy winner and arguably the best batsman in the shorter format of the game, the “Universe Boss”, Chris Gayle has done it all. Now, the Jamaica superstar has made it clear that he is open to taking up new roles in the game he loves so much.
Currently, Gayle is one of several renowned ambassadors for the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and is relishing the role, even though it means missing out on the on-field action.

“I would love to be out there, to be honest with you, but you know time flies by and you know I’ve got to be at the other side this time around. So, I’m just playing a supporting role, you know, rally around the West Indies as most of our fans are doing as we speak. But it’s good to be back amongst the guys, good to see them as well,” Gayle told media operatives at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Sunday.
Speaking during the intermission of West Indies’ five-wicket victory over Papua New Guinea (PNG), Gayle went on to address adjusting to his new role in the sport.
The “Universe Boss” explained, “Like I say, you know, played cricket for two decades now and it’s good to play a different role. You know, being an ambassador, you always want to give back to the sport as well. So, it’s actually good to be here, you know; see a few fans. Whenever I walk around, they say ‘hey, Chris I want to see you out there still , but that’s the life you know. To play a new role of being an ambassador.”
Quizzed about whether or not the change in caps would motivate him to taking up coaching roles, Gayle revealed that he was more inclined to mentoring current and up-and-coming players.
“Once I have the time and once time permits, I would love to play my part within the cricket fraternity. But more so, I think I’ll be a good mentor, because when I, whenever I speak people tend to listen to me and I have a lot of knowledge, you know, [players] can actually feed off or share with the youngsters. It doesn’t matter who, I can share those moments and [I] know how to build a particular player as well. So yeah, I love to be a mentor, whatever team,” theformer explosive batsman responded.
In spite of whatever role he chooses to take up next, one constant for the “Universe Boss” will be his support for the regional side.
Gayle divulged, “Of course, I love cricket and will always be a West Indies true supporter. It doesn’t matter what position the team is in and I will always be there with them, I will lose with them, I will always win with them as well.” (Jemima Holmes)