Gayli is an "icon" but his best part is fun-loving and friendly nature: Kohli

Indian captain Virat Kohli paid tribute to veteran West Indies batsman Chris Gayle, who appeared to have played his last match in the third ODI here, saying apart from his cricketing exploits he will also be remembered for his fun-loving and friendly nature.

Kohli described the 39-year-old Gayle as an icon and "gem of a human being" who was always there to help youngsters. The duo were earlier together in the IPL side Royal Challengers Bangalore.

"I would like to congratulate him for a great career, playing for the West Indies. He has done so much for West Indies cricket and he is icon all over the world. He is one of the nicest human beings around, that for me is his biggest quality," Kohli said after India's series-clinching six-wicket win under D/L Method in the third ODI here on Wednesday.

"Everyone knows about his cricket but I think the kind of person he is, so helpful with youngsters, so fun loving and always smiling even in the most pressure situations. For me, Chris Gayle the person is the best part of him. I have been fortunate to spend a lot of time as a friend and get to know him as a person. He is a gem of a human being and I think he can be really proud of that, firstly."
Asked if he will still be around, he said, "Yeah, until further notice."