Chris Gayle, who heads into his fifth and final World Cup, has devised his own method of staying fit at 39, a routine that has kept the ‘Universe Boss’ away from the gym for the last two months.
His fitness formula includes extensive yoga and massage sessions which help him recover after a long day on the field. Being naturally strong allows him to avoid gym and “a lot rest” in between games is also helping him stay in good shape.
“It is a funny game you know. When the World Cup comes, hopefully, the runs would flow. I have a lot of experience so I know what it is like. I am just happy with the way I am batting right now and hope to carry on,” Gayle told PTI in an interview.
“Age catches up as you ain’t getting any younger. But most important thing for me is the mental part of the game. It is not so much for about the physical side of the game anymore. I have not done much fitness in the last couple of months.
“I use my experience and mental aspect. I have not done gym for some time. Like I said I am just taking a lot of rest, getting a lot of massage, lots of stretching, just trying to stay fresh for games. I know what is required to keep me going on the field,” said the maker of 10151 ODI runs.
Having played 103 Tests, 289 ODIs and bossing T20 leagues around the world, Gayle said there is nothing left for him to prove and he is playing only for his legions of fans.
“Honestly (I do it for) the fans, I am not going to lie. Maybe a couple of years ago the thought did cross (that I have had enough and what is there to prove). Then the fans came out and said ‘don’t go’. They actually drive me to go on.
“I know nothing lasts forever and hopefully I can give them a few more games and it also pushes you to win the World Cup.”
