IPL 2018: Were RCB supposed to retain Chris Gayle? KXIP star makes shocking statement

Mohali: Chris Gayle is currently in red hot form in the ongoing Indian Premier League and has been hitting the bowlers all round the park. The Kings XI Punjab opener has cored 252 runs in just 4 matches, which includes one century and two half centuries.

Gayle, had earlier represented Royal Challengers Bangalore and was expected to be retained by the franchise, but in a big u-turn the Bangalore side decided not to retain the big man and put him in auction pool.

Speaking to Times of India the’ Universal Boss’ said “It was disappointing from that end, because they had called me. They wanted me in the team and I was told that I will be retained. But they never called back after that. So that gave me the impression that they didn’t want me and it’s fine. As I said, I can’t fight with anyone. I think I had a wonderful CPL and BPL – where I scored two centuries for my side Rangpur Riders. The stats don’t lie: 21 centuries, most number of sixes. If that doesn’t put a stamp on brand Chris Gayle, I don’t know what will,”

The West Indian opener was placed in the auction round for base price of Rs 2crore. It looked like he would go unsold after no franchise placed bid for him. KXIP in the final round took the gamble and decided to buy him for his base price.

Speaking about how he felt about not being bid by other franchises the batsman said: “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.”

Gayle is yet to lay his hands on the IPL and with 2019 ICC cricket World Cup, but the 38-year-old is confident of achieving both the dreams “Just two things: winning the IPL this year and the World Cup for West Indies next year,” he said. “I believe West Indies have a big chance of winning the World Cup in 2019. I know we struggled in the qualifiers but now that we’ve made it, our next aim is to win it. But right now it’s definitely the IPL”.