Former West Indies batsman Suruj Roongonath has insisted he would not pick Jamaica and West Indies star Chris Gayle for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The 41-year-old’s inclusion in a squad against Sri Lanka earlier this year sharply divided opinion, with some expressing that the player’s age should disqualify him from selection.

For others, the player’s experience, and ability to change a game will be an invaluable asset for the tournament, which the West Indies has won back-to-back with Gayle being a crucial part of the team.

The batsman struggled to make an impression against Sri Lanka, scoring just 29 runs in three games.  Since the start of this season’s IPL, the batsman has, however, been solid, if not spectacular for Punjab Kings XI after scoring 165 runs from seven matches.  A fitter Gayle has looked livelier in the field.  Despite the improvement in form, however, Roongonath remains unconvinced.

Chris Gayle for me is a big question mark,” Roongonath said in a recent interview.

“For the first time, I’ve seen Chris Gayle actually dive around in a match.  The last game they played (Punjab King’s XI).  He looks a little fitter, but at the same time, I am not inclined to taking Chris Gayle to a World Cup at this stage.”