Bengaluru: If the Indian Premier League is a carnival, then Chris Gayle is the most entertaining jester of the pack. A man who incorporates the ruthless side of the game with aplomb while carrying the entertainer tag with nonchalant ease.
From smashing Pune Warriors’ bowlers all over the park during his 175-run innings in the last edition of IPL to enacting the ‘Gangam style’ steps in celebration, Gayle has become a household name.
But the most endearing part of the towering opening batsman is the hint of an ever ready smile, waiting to break out at the smallest of stimuli.
With injuries and fitness concerns restricting the ‘Gayle force’ from making an impact so far, Royal Challengers Bangalore have been badly missing the menacing batsman at the top of the order.
While team owner Vijay Mallya dug deep into his pockets during the auction to strengthen the side in their quest for a maiden title, with Yuvraj Singh bought for a whopping 14 crores, their form in the season so far has been indifferent.
Despite the difficulties, Gayle remains unfazed.
“We won the first two and lost three so we are a bit disappointed. But that’s cricket. Hopefully we can rebound,” said the West Indian.
“We have a lot of talented individuals in the side who are capable of winning it for the team.
“It’s just a matter of clicking on the day. We are back home and in conditions familiar to us, so hopefully we can reach the top four,” added Gayle.
Asked about his fitness, the left-hander revealed that he is still feeling some effects of the finger injury.
“There is still a bit of discomfort. There are couple of days before the next match and I can do some work with the physio. Let’s see how things go over the next two days,” finished the affable Jamaican.
