This years 50-overs mega event is set to be Gayle's final ODI tournament. The Universe Boss last led West Indies as captain in ODIs in June 2010.
"It is always an honour to represent the West Indies in any format and this World Cup for me is special. As a senior player it is my responsibility to support the captain and everyone else in the team," Gayle said.
"This will probably be the biggest World Cup, so there will be great expectations and I know we will do very well for the people of the West Indies," he added.
A veteran of 289 ODIs, Gayle is not a part of the West Indies team currently playing tri-nation series in Ireland.
Meanwhile, Shai Hope, who made a career-best 170 against Ireland has been named as the vice captain for the ongoing series.
"It's a tremendous honour to be appointed vice captain for this series here in Ireland. Ahead of this tournament I was asked to take on this role and I was happy to accept. Anything I'm asked to do for West Indies cricket I'm always happy and willing to put my hand up, so this is great," Hope said.