NEW DELHI, India (CMC):

West Indies opener Chris Gayle is hoping that his off-spin can play a role for the team in their defence of their Champions Trophy title later this month.

The left-handed Gayle, one of the leading batsmen in the West Indies One Day International set-up, wants his bowling to complement his already devastating batting.

"I am very much looking forward to playing here. The last time I came here a few years ago I batted well in the one-dayers. Hopefully I can do well as a bowler as well this time," Gayle told reporters yesterday.

"I am an all-rounder ... I have over 5,000 runs and 100 wickets. I am a hard-hitting batsman. My bowling depends on the captain's needs, what he wants me to do."

West Indies are preparing for their opening match of the Champions Trophy pre-qualifying tournament on Sunday, where they face Zimbabwe.

The regional side are title-holders but will have to contest a four-team round robin with Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, in order to qualify for the main draw.

Gayle said despite missing out on automatic qualification, the team was keen on ensuring they were one of the two teams going through to the main draw.

"It feels a bit strange but you can't do anything about the format. You can't take any team for granted, you have to be on top of your game," Gayle said.