"I Was Hurt, Disrespected at Punjab Kings" – Chris Gayle Opens Up on IPL Struggles

Overview

• Chris Gayle says his IPL stint with Punjab Kings ended on a bitter note.
• The batting legend felt disrespected and was disappointed with Anil Kumble’s management.
• Despite being a top run-scorer, Gayle walked away midway through the season in 2021.

Former West Indies batter Chris Gayle opened up about his last few seasons in the IPL with the Punjab Kings. Gayle was a part of the franchise from 2018 to 2021. Gayle mentioned that he didn’t have a pleasing time while he was with the Punjab franchise and felt disrespected. 

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Gayle further mentioned that he was not treated properly by the franchise and they treated him ‘like a kid’. At the time of his exit from the league, he was among the top 10 run-scorers and had a lot of records to his name.

"My Indian Premier League ended prematurely with Punjab Kings. I was disrespected at Kings XI. I felt I wasn’t treated properly as a senior who had done so much for the league and brought value. They treated me like a kid. For the first time in my life, I felt like getting into depression," said Gayle in a podcast with Shubhankar Mishra on his YouTube channel.

“I was disappointed with Anil Kumble and the way the franchise was run,” - Chris Gayle

Gayle further mentioned the conversation that he had with the PBKS’ head coach, Anil Kumble, at that time. He mentioned that he was disappointed with the way the franchise was being run and even broke down during his discussion. 

Ravichandran Ashwin was the captain of the PBKS side when Gayle joined the team in 2018. KL Rahul was appointed the captain of the side before the 2020 season. Gayle mentioned having a conversation with Rahul, where he assured him of being in the playing 11 for the next game. However, Gayle left the franchise midway.

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"I broke down talking to Anil Kumble because I was really hurt. I was disappointed with him and the way the franchise was run. KL Rahul even called me saying, 'Chris, stay, you'll play the next game'. But I just said, 'I wish you all the best', and packed my bag, and walked out," Gayle said.

Gayle featured in 142 matches in the IPL and scored 4965 runs at an average of 39.72 and a strike rate of 148.96. He made six centuries and 31 half-centuries in the tournament. He still holds the record of hitting the most number of sixes in the league and was the first batter to hit 300 sixes.