Image Credit: IPL/RCB
The Universe Boss Chris Gayle opened up about his time at the Punjab Kings, where he felt disrespected by the Punjab Kings.
Chris Gayle has never been happy staying with the Punjab Kings and felt that his IPL journey ended prematurely with them, as they have not given him the value of bringing in the audience. Gayle is the most explosive player in the world, who always makes bowlers sweat whenever they come to face him.
It was a harsh truth, but IPL franchises have many times disrespected so many great players who did a lot for their franchise. Still, after they slow down or have a bad season, they treat them like nothing, just as Sunrisers Hyderabad did to David Warner, and how Lucknow Super Giants talked with KL Rahul.
What did Chris Gayle say about the Punjab Kings?
“My IPL ended prematurely with Punjab. 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. 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”
Said by Chris Gayle
It’s quite surprising, as we all saw Gayle as a complete entertainer of cricket who always brings out unforgettable celebrations, dance moves, and pure muscle power shots.
Chris Gayle’s Punjab Kings Journey
- Gayle joined Punjab Kings in 2018, bought at his base price of ₹2 crore after going unsold initially in the auction.
- From 2018 to 2021, he entertained fans in Mohali and across India with his explosive batting, towering sixes, and trademark dance celebrations.
- Despite his reputation as the most destructive T20 batter in history, Gayle revealed that the franchise undermined his value to the team.
Chris Gayle – IPL Auction & Retention Summary
| Year | Team | Bought/Retained | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | Retained | ₹ 0.8 crore |
| 2010 | KKR | Bought | ₹ 0 (going unsold initially) |
| 2011 | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | Bought (replacement) | Approx. ₹ 1.9 crore (USD 650k) |
| 2012 | RCB | Retained | ₹ 3.2676 crore |
| 2013 | RCB | Retained | ₹ 3.4626 crore |
| 2014 | RCB | Retained | ₹ 7.5 crore |
| 2015 | RCB | Retained | ₹ 7.5 crore |
| 2016 | RCB | Retained | ₹ 7.5 crore |
| 2017 | RCB | Retained | ₹ 7.5 crore |
| 2018 | Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) | Bought | ₹ 2 crore (base price), after being unsold in initial rounds |
| 2019 | Punjab Kings (formerly KXIP) | Retained | ₹ 2 crore |
| 2020 | Punjab Kings | Bought | ₹ 2 crore |
| 2021 | Punjab Kings | Retained | ₹ 2 crore |
One of the significant reasons for Punjab Kings’ inconsistency and their struggle to win the IPL title is their tendency to make frequent squad changes. However, in the last season, they managed to overcome this and form a strong team that reached the IPL final. Unfortunately, they were unable to lift the trophy, losing to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who won their first-ever IPL title.
FAQs
Q. Why did Chris Gayle leave Punjab Kings?
A. Chris Gayle said he felt disrespected and not valued by the team, so he decided to walk away.
Q. When did Chris Gayle play for Punjab Kings?
A. He joined in 2018 for ₹2 crore and played with them until 2021.
Q. What did Chris Gayle say about Punjab Kings?
A. He said his IPL ended too soon, the team treated him like a kid, and he was very hurt by the way things were handled.
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