Legendary West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the official visit of Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness to India. On Wednesday, Gayle shared videos and photos on Instagram, showing him shaking hands and interacting with PM Modi and other dignitaries present during Holness’ visit. “It was an honor to meet the Prime Minister of India @narendramodi. Jamaica to India #OneLove,” Gayle tweeted.
This marks Holness’ first visit to India, taking place from September 30 to October 3, and it is also the first-ever bilateral visit by a Jamaican Prime Minister to India.
On October 1, Holness met with PM Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, where they held a bilateral meeting followed by delegation-level discussions. India and Jamaica share strong historical and cultural ties, including their colonial past, values of democracy and freedom, and a mutual passion for cricket.
Gayle, one of the most famous cricketing ambassadors from Jamaica and the Caribbean, has had a remarkable career representing the West Indies. In 483 international matches, Gayle scored 19,593 runs at an average of 37.97, with 42 centuries and 105 fifties from 1999 to 2021. Known for his adaptability across all formats, he became especially renowned for his performances in T20 cricket in the latter half of his career, amassing 14,562 runs in 463 matches with an average of 36.22, including 22 centuries and 88 fifties. His highest individual score in T20 cricket is an unbeaten 175*.
Gayle’s explosive six-hitting and charismatic presence on the field endeared him to Indian fans, particularly during his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He played for teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Punjab Kings (PBKS), becoming one of the most popular international players in the country.
In the IPL, Gayle is the eighth-highest run-scorer with 4,965 runs in 142 matches at an average of 39.72, including six centuries and 31 fifties. His highest score in the tournament remains 175*.
