The Indian Premier League has been a stalwart on the earth of T20 cricket. Since its first season in 2008, the franchise league has not solely modified the material of the sport, pumped large cash into the sport but in addition produced a few of the finest performances within the recreation.
From Brendon McCullum’s 158* within the very first match to Lakshmipathy Balaji’s hat-trick for the primary time within the historical past of the league. From Chennai Super Kings profitable back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011 to Mumbai Indians profitable the league within the 2019 and 2020 editions, there have been 5 in complete.
But who has been crucial participant within the historical past of the league? A query that’s usually requested by former gamers, coaches, pundits and many others. A query which was additionally requested to the previous Royal Challengers Bangalore captain.
“There are a lot of them; It’s arduous to decide on only one. I can definitely look again and possibly say Chris Gayle, who’s bigger than life,” Kumble said during a Q&A session on JioCinema ahead of IPL 2023. “The method he got here throughout as a participant! What he delivered to RCB and the best way he modified the complete powerplay and the facility he delivered to the bat.
In 142 IPL matches, Gayle has 4965 runs to his credit score, together with six a whole lot. More than another batsman within the historical past of IPL. Gayle additionally holds the information for the best rating (175*) and most sixes (357) within the league.
The flamboyant opener, who will play his final season within the league in 2021, recalled his finest reminiscences within the league with RCB. Playing below the captaincy of Virat Kohli.
“We had some good memories of batting together. We will always cherish those moments. He moves outside the dance floor as well, I am sure you can see them on social media, I will cherish those things too,” commented Gayle. “Batting with Virat was incredible. I really like his ardour for the sport. I really like his ardour and the best way he works, it is incredible. You have to present credit score to him and he needs to point out it along with his performances.
“Sharing a dressing room with Virat and others, once I’m there, I’m always happy and having a lot of fun, dancing and all that sort of stuff,” Gayle mentioned. “I’ll present him some strikes and really feel that Virat has the talents. He can stroll, you recognize. But whether it is Indian dance, Chris Gayle will win. If it is a Caribbean dance, Chris Gayle will win!” he added.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
