Chris Gayle is, arguably, the greatest T20 batsman in cricket history. Since the arrival of T20 format, Gayle has established himself as the most destructive batsman in the world. Every year, Christopher Henry Gayle travels all across the world to play in domestic T20 leagues.
Until last year, Chris Gayle was the hottest property for all the T20 franchise across the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 2011, Chris Gayle was not picked by any franchise in the auctions but, out of the blue, he got a call from the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and he was picked as Dirk Nannes’ replacement.
And, the rest, as they say, is history.
Chris Gayle became the star of RCB and smashed hundreds after hundreds. The Chinnaswamy stadium became his fortress and became the hot favourites of RCB fans. But, in IPL 2018 auctions, Chris was not retained by RCB and he was picked by Kings XI Punjab in the last round of the auction. In an interview to TOI Sports, Chris Gayle spoke about his axing from RCB and many other things.
Chris Gayle was asked to share his views on not being retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore and this is what he said:
“Not in particular but I’ll be honest in admitting that it was very surprising for me to not get picked by any team. I don’t know what went behind closed doors but I also understand that these things happen. It’s just the way it is. But it’s fine. I’ve moved on from it. Like I said, it’s a great opportunity to be playing for King XI Punjab and so far I’ve had a great time. Perhaps it was supposed to happen, you know. King Gayle; destined to be playing for Kings XI Punjab,” Chris Gayle said.
When asked about on being at the other side of 30, this is what Chris Gayle said:
“Just keep your body in shape as much as possible, just doing the usual drills as much as possible. I know that I am no spring chicken but at the same time, I don’t really need any intense training session or anything of that sort. I’m naturally fit and I think my body is in great shape for a 38-year-old (laughs). So as long as I can combine this body with my experience, I’m good to go.”
When asked about proving his critics wrong, Christopher Henry Gayle replied in his trademark style.
“I don’t know if I’ve actually proved them wrong. There are always going to be doubters but at the same time I didn’t have anything to prove. My records speak for themselves. Even though I was selected in the very last round of the auction, I wasn’t really worried about it. Even if it was the end of it, there is life… a life beyond cricket, beyond the IPL. At some stage, you are going to walk away from the IPL and other forms of cricket. So I was never too intrigued. This is how I’ve always been, living in the present. But given the sense that I was picked up and playing for a new franchise, it was very pleasing. And the way I have played in the first three games, I think it has been fantastic. I’m very happy with where I’m at.”
Read the full interview here
