During the IPL Auction earlier this year, while the franchises Royal Challengers Bangalore shocked cricket fans across the world by ignoring the Universe Boss in the initial rounds, Kings XI Punjab picked him up for his base price. But Gayle has revealed that RCB had promised to retain him before they decided to do a U-turn at the auction.
“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,” Gayle told.
Commenting on the initial rounds of the auction where Gayle went unsold, 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.”
