Former Cricket King Keeps Faith in Virat Kohli Despite Current Struggles

New Delhi, [current date]

West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle has pledged his support for struggling Indian captain Virat Kohli, insisting that the star batsman remains the best player in world cricket despite a recent downturn in form.

Gayle, who played alongside Kohli at Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL), expressed confidence in Kohli's abilities on Tuesday, saying: "He is still the best player in the world. The stats prove that how many centuries across formats he has scored."

Kohli, 36, has been struggling with form of late, dismissing for just five runs in a second ODI against England earlier this week.

Gayle acknowledged that cricketers go through patchy periods but urged Kohli to regain his confidence and come back stronger. "It's just one of those things. He needs to pick himself up and come back."

The veteran batsman also praised Indian teammate Rohit Sharma, who recently surpassed Gayle's record for most sixes in both-list one formats.

"Congratulations to Rohit,"Gayle said. "Sports always need a new entertainer, and Rohit has been entertaining all these years as well I have done it alongside him. So he is the new king in town now."

Gayle acknowledged Abhishek Sharma's impressive century against England in the fifth T20I, saying: "I heard about his innings... huge and fantastic." When asked about Kohli's potential to break Gayle's Champions Trophy record run, Gayle remained optimistic, stating that his Indian teammate could reach 200 runs at a relatively modest number of games.

Gayle expressed disappointment at West Indies' absence from the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament but looks forward to the event, which is set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.