Veteran batter Chris Gayle has backed Virat Kohli to dominate the 2023 ODI World Cup. The West Indian legend also said Kohli’s mental and physical toughness will help him overcome the “tough times” of poor form as well. Though Kohli has been among runs across formats over the last 12 months, he still lacks consistency across formats as well. However, he scored two tons against Sri Lanka to start the year but only scored one 50+ score against Australia and New Zealand in the six matches since then as well.

“Not only for Virat but every player in their career always goes through these patches. Tough times don’t last long, you know, but tough players last longer and Virat is one of those players who’s mentally tough and physically as well. I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t go and dominate this World Cup. He has done it for a few years. But not only him, other players [can do the same] as well,” Gayle told PTI.”We as players always go through phases where things seem a bit dull and, you know, we need that sort of a positive energy around us to uplift ourselves. Once we get back in that groove, we know how dangerous we can be,” he added.

Virat Kohli has scored 1060 runs from 26 innings in ODI World Cups which came at an average of 46.82, including six half-centuries and two tons as well. However, Chris Gayle and Kohli were teammates at Royal Challengers Bangalore between 2011 and 2017 as well. Meanwhile, the ‘Universe Boss’ also confirmed that despite opting out of the recent IPL season, he hasn’t retired from the game yet as well.

He said: “I haven’t made any official announcement regarding retirement. I will still be playing some cricket. People want to see me, I am still in good shape.”