West Indies skipper Darren Sammy has described controversial star batsman Chris Gayle as the 'most destructive' Twenty20 batsman, insisting that his side have players to reclaim the World Twenty20 title, which they won four years ago.
Gayle came under severe criticism after trying to flirt with an Australian TV presenter live on air in January during the Big Bash League. Also, the left-handed explosive batsman is often questioned for choosing lucrative T20 tournaments over national duty.
However, Sammy said that Gayle was a massive figure for the West Indies not only on the cricket field but off the field as well, Sport24 reported.
West Indies cricket had been mired in a pay dispute with their cricket board last month. Although the row has since been resolved, relations between players and board remain strained.
In addition, West Indies suffered a double blow when all-rounder Kieron Pollard and off-spinner Sunil Narine both withdrew from the initial World T20 squad.
Sammy admitted that it was always difficult to replace players like Narine but insisted that West Indies have players who can 'get the job done' for them.
West Indies will play warm-up games against India on Thursday and Australia on March 13, before heading to Mumbai to begin their Super 10 campaign against England on March 16.