"Played my best ODI cricket in India," says Chris Gayle after final home game

What's the story?

Caribbean icon Chris Gayle has revealed that his best ever ODI performances came under Carl Hooper's captaincy during West Indies' tour of India in 2002.

After playing his last ODI on West Indies soil, the 39-year-old batsman dismissed suggestions that he was in his best form during the series against England and instead reminisced about his series-winning efforts in India more than 16 years ago.

In the past...

During West Indies' tour of India in 2002, the then 23-year-old Gayle smashed 455 runs from seven ODIs at an average of 65 and strike-rate of 94.98.

His tally of three centuries and one fifty helped West Indies win the ODI series 4-3 and shock Sourav Ganguly's team. The southpaw was named Player of the Series for his exploits at the top of the order.

The heart of the matter

Returning to the ODI lineup, Gayle turned back the clock by demolishing England's bowling attack right throughout the recently concluded series. He produced scores of 135, 50, 162 and 77 in the four completed matches.

The left-hander's record-breaking collection of 39 sixes enabled West Indies to level the series 2-2.

At the end of the fifth ODI in St Lucia, Gayle confirmed that the series saw his last appearance in the 50-over format on Caribbean soil.

When asked if the series against England saw the best of him, Gayle reckoned,

"My better ODI form was in India when Carl Hooper was captain. I made three centuries in that series and I made two here."

However, the veteran affirmed,

"I'm thankful for the (current) form. I wasn't getting any runs in the T20 tournaments I was playing. When you get a chance to score runs, make sure you score heavy. But it's the best (I've played) in my home conditions and I'm happy and grateful for that."

What's next?

Having won the Test series 2-1 and drawn the ODI series 2-2, West Indies are now set to take on England for a 3-match T20I series.

The first of those three matches will take place on March 5th at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia. This will be West Indies' last assignment before the 2019 World Cup.