Gayle backs Kohli to break Champions Trophy runs record

NEW DELHI, India (CMC):

West Indies great Chris Gayle says he believes India's batting maestro Virat Kohli will go on to break his Champions Trophy runs record when the tournament gets under way next week.

The Jamaican currently holds the record for the most runs in the tournament with 791, and Kohli needs 263 to overtake him at the top of the pile.

Despite not being in the greatest of form recently, Gayle says Kohli is still the 'best player in world cricket', and it is only a matter of time before the batting star comes back into form and sets the world alight.

"It is easy for him to get 200 runs", Gayle told the Times of India. I don't know how many games they will play, but I am sure he can get over 200 runs. I am sure he will get a century, so it's just a matter of time before he goes on to break that record."

Gayle, who played alongside Kohli for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the India Premier League, says Kohli's lack of big scores heading into the Champions Trophy can be reversed with just one good knock from the 36-year-old.

"He is still the best player in the world, regardless of form. Virat is still the best player, the stats prove that. It is one of those we as cricketers go through in patches. I know it is coming at the back end of his career as well, but these things happen, so he just needs to pick himself up and come again."

Whilst admitting that he is disappointed that the West Indies will not be taking part in the Champions Trophy, Gayle says he is glad that the tournament has returned.

"I am disappointed that the West Indies are not in the Champions Trophy, but it is good to have the tournament back, and I am looking forward to it."