The left-handed batsman ruined bowlers' reputations on the West Indies' last tour of India in 2002, hammering three hundreds and a half-century to help his team clinch a one-day series 4-3.

"The last tour was a big success and I hope to carry on (in the same vein)," Gayle told reporters here on Monday.

"Conditions here won't be much different from those at home. I think you'll be entertained as long as I am at the crease."

Defending champions West Indies need an in-form Gayle to boost chances of making it to the main draw. They play Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in the qualifying rounds starting from October 7. The top two teams will qualify.

"It looks a bit strange playing in the qualifying rounds this time," said Gayle, who has scored 5,102 runs and taken 118 wickets with his off-spin in the shorter version of the game.

Australia, India, England, South Africa, New Zealand and Pakistan have been given direct entry into the main draw based on their rankings in April this year.

Gayle, 27, said his team could not afford to have an off-day.

"Sri Lanka have been playing really well in recent months and we are not going to take Bangladesh and Zimbabwe lightly. Nothing can be taken for granted," he said.

Gayle said he was aware of his role and would do his best to rise to his team's expectations.

"I know I have a responsibility as a batsman, bowler and fielder. I have already performed these roles," he said.

"We have a young team, but I think we have the ability to do well and hopefully we will start dominating in future. We have the confidence and on a given day we can beat any team."

All-rounder Dwayne Bravo is the other West Indian expected to play a vital role on low, slow Indian pitches. He has been in the news recently with his deceptive slower delivery.

"It (slower ball) is a lethal weapon in one-day cricket," said Bravo, 22.

"I have developed it on my own. It's very effective when batsmen are going for runs, but it is not easy to bowl. You should know when to bowl it."

Bravo, who has scored 576 runs and grabbed 49 wickets, said he was not under pressure after his recent impressive performances.

"There is no pressure on me. I have a long way to go. I try to improve my game in every match," he said.

Star West Indies batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan was also looking to contribute to his team's success.

"I am looking forward to play in India because the conditions will be batsmen-friendly," said Sarwan, who has scored 3,587 runs in one-day internationals.

"I'll do my best to contribute to the team's wins. It'll be a great boost to our World Cup hopes if we win here," said Sarwan.

The World Cup will be held in the West Indies next March.