Dhoni loses two series and everyone has put a big stick over his head: Chris Gayle

New Delhi: West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle has praised his friend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, saying he has contributed a lot to the Indian cricket and will surely bounce back and prove his critics wrong.

West Indies star Chris Gayle and Team India's ODI skipper MS Dhoni share a candid moment during a promotional event. (Photo: PTI)

Gayle said he is glad to get the opportunity to share stage with the legend like Dhoni. "We actually get on well off the field. Like I mentioned, we are very competitive in the middle. But I actually love to be on stage with MS. He is a lovely guy. I hope all the Indian fans can say the same, all the people around the world can say the same about MS Dhoni. The chance to share the stage with him is fantastic," Gayle told ANI here.

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"A legend like him in my book has done great in ODIs for Indian cricket. He has done so many things for India by keeping on winning. And then losing two series, everyone has put a big stick over his head. He is a champion. He will surely bounce back," he added.

Speaking on the ongoing series between India and South Africa, the swashbuckling West Indian opener said the Proteas are the favourites for the Test series because of the success in ODIs and T20s.

(Photo: PTI)

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"South Africa are the favourites. I am actually saying on the basis of what has happened in the ODI series. They are going for an important game and the first Test can actually decide the series as well. So hopefully they (India) can get a good start," the 36-year old stated.

Gayle further lauded the South African side, and said that they are one of the toughest opponents to face. "They always have a strong bowling line up as well. It is going to be a great series and fan will enjoy it," he said.

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India, who have lost both the ODI and T20 series against South Africa, will now aim to bounce back when they take on South Africa in the four-match Test series, starting from November 5 in Mohali.