For months, Chris Gayle has been in the bio-bubbles. He has been a significant part of the West Indies home series against South Africa, Pakistan, and Australia. After that, he was also a part of the CPL 2021 and the second phase of the IPL 2021. However, the bio-bubble will last for a few more months because, after the IPL, the T20 World Cup will begin. As a result, the left-handed batsman has decided not to be a part of the remaining matches of IPL because he wants to recharge his battery for the world cup.
Chris Gayle’s Performance In IPL 2021
Chris Gayle led PBKS with 193 runs in ten games this season. He had a 21.44 average, a 125.32 strike rate, and his best score in the game was 46.
In the second leg of the season, against Rajasthan Royals, Chris Gayle did not start for Punjab. However, he returned to the side of PBKS after an ugly loss. Then, the batsman joined hands with PBKS to play against Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
This season, KL Rahul’s team has struggled to maintain equilibrium, especially in the second tournament. They have earned 8 points in 11 games, and they are currently ranked 6th on the leaderboard. On Friday, the PBKS squad will have a face-off against KKR in Dubai.
For the T20 World Cup, the reigning champions, West Indies, will play alongside England, Australia, South Africa, and two additional teams. These teams will qualify from Round 1 to the Super 12. From 23rd October, West Indies will initiate their campaign against England in Dubai.
Gayle Decides To Leave PBKS
Due to extreme fatigue, Chris Gayle, the Punjab Kings’ star player, decided to leave the IPL on 30th September Thursday. The selection phase of the remaining matches of IPL 2021will be taking place in the United Arab Emirates, but Gayle will not be available.
🚨 UPDATE 🚨
Chris Gayle will not be a part of the PBKS squad for the remainder of #IPL2021! #SaddaPunjab #PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/vHfyEeMOOJ
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) September 30, 2021
The 42-year-old said he wanted to refresh his battery before representing the West Indies in the T20 World Cup. The tournament will start on 17th October 2021. Gayle said that he has been in the CPL, CWI, and IPL bubble for a long time. Before he returns to the UAE to represent the West Indies, he needs to recharge himself mentally. He said that he is in dire need of a break to be able to refocus on his game.
Gayle also showers his gratitude towards PBKS for letting him take time off. Gayle has been a part of two matches since the IPL 2021 resumed. The player also said that he wishes all the luck to the PBKS squad for their upcoming games.
What We Think
We think there are very few matches left in the IPL, so if Gayle decides to leave the remaining games to recharge himself for the upcoming World Cup, he is right. However, it’s fair to think that he wants to perform his best when representing his country. So, we hope he manages to make a solid comeback in the T20 World Cup, which will start after a few days.
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