Gayle-Ashwin clash provides centrepiece for pivotal duel

A duel that could ignite and excite the Thursday evening blockbuster between India and West Indies. Chris Gayle v R Ashwin. Matchwinner v matchwinner. Aggressor v aggressive.

Evidence suggests Gayle respects Ashwin, who might hold the edge in contests till date. In all T20s so far, Ashwin has dismissed Gayle four times in nine innings. Gayle has taken 57 runs from 70 balls. Ashwin has bowled 51 of those 70 deliveries in the Powerplay. Bowled, caught, stumped, lbw - Ashwin has got Gayle in every possible way.

Gayle has managed to hit just three sixes and three fours, and an incredible 40 dot balls makes it clear who holds the top hand in the exchanges so far. So Gayle will not be surprised to see his old friend staring at him from the opposite end come Thursday.

In the past, Ashwin relied on slowing the pace against Gayle, aware of the lack of feet movement from the batsman. Gayle would also be aware of Ashwin wanting to stick to a straight line on off stump and surprising him with the carrom ball. What Gayle wants - length where he can utilise his reach - will possibly not be granted.

For a spectator, it would be a curse to see the back of Gayle or to sit back and watch him bludgeon India, like he did to England at the same ground a couple of weeks back. But, India would want to see the former. If it is not Ashwin, then there will be Ashish Nehra with his speed, swing, cutters and mind. MS Dhoni's ticking brain will make sure Gayle remains on his toes.

He might say any batsman can stand up if he fails, but Gayle knows if West Indies have to beat India, he has to stand strong and bat long. So far in the tournament, as feared, West Indies' middle order stands on a wobbly scaffolding comprising Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, and Darren Sammy, amplifying Gayle's importance at the top.

However, Gayle needs support from his opening partner. Johnson Charles or Lendl Simmons will need to guard Gayle and play the attacking role in the Powerplay. Charles has been shaky throughout the tournament. So, West Indies would hope Simmons comes good and utilises his IPL experience - where he opens for Mumbai Indians - in a positive way.

For Gayle, the challenge is as much about mental strength as it is about figuring out what India are throwing at him. No doubt, he will have his own plans and play the waiting game. Gayle is known for his muscle, but his cricketing brain makes him equally strong from the neck up.

Two days before the big match, Gayle was relaxed, blasting almost every ball out of the Brabourne stadium. Before walking into training, Gayle admitted he was aware of Dhoni making the first move through Ashwin. "We just have to keep our eyes open, play according to the situation. Chris Gayle will always be positive. It doesn't matter which bowler is bowling against Chris Gayle. Chris Gayle is looking to attack. That's the nature of T20 cricket. And that's the nature of Chris Gayle. No names, just cricket ball, beat it as hard as possible."

There was also plenty of mutual respect for another of the key figures - perhaps the key figure - that West Indies will come up against. Virat Kohli has been the stand-out batsman of the tournament, which comes as no surprise to Gayle and he doesn't even mind if he scores a few more in the semi-final - so long as West Indies still end up the winners.

"I have said it over the years he is going to be the world beater he is today. He has been fantastic right through the year. He is in good form and it is a good wicket [in Mumbai] as well, so anything is possible. Hopefully he won't get runs against us. I am hoping, please don't fire, Virat. He can still get runs but for a losing cause. We'll be happy with that as well,"

At 36, with a bad back, Gayle knows he will not get too many more chances of playing the final of a world tournament. As his captain Darren Sammy said at the outset of the tournament, this might be the last big tournament for many of the senior players. Gayle and West Indies are two steps away from touching glory, but Ashwin, Kohli and India are in the way.