Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle [Photo-Twitter]

Kings XI Punjab batsman Chris Gayle once again was instrumental in their team’s eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in Sharjah. Chris Gayle struck 51 off 29 deliveries to tilt the scales entirely in favour of Kings XI Punjab as they recorded their fifth win on the bounce. The Jamaican revealed that the youngsters in the team advised him not to call it quits from the game.

Since the time Chris Gayle came into the side, Kings XI Punjab has not lost a single game in IPL 2020. The 40-year old played his first game this year against Royal Challengers Bangalore, mustering a fifty against them. The southpaw played some crucial cameos in the following games and brought up his second half-century against Kolkata.

Youngsters In The Team Are Telling Me Not To Retire: Chris Gayle
Mandeep Singh and Chris Gayle. (Credits: IPLT20.com)

His knock contained two fours and five sixes, sharing a stand of 100 with Mandeep Singh. Nevertheless, the 40-year old could not see the team through to the win as he perished when Kings XI Punjab needed three runs. Gayle edged a short-pitched slower delivery to the short third man fielder. However, Mandeep Singh and Nicholas Pooran ensured there were no more jitters.

Last game we said we want to win it for Mandeep Singh” : Chris Gayle

Mandeep Singh
Mandeep Singh (Credits: Twitter)

Chris Gayle revealed that he feels quite delighted to be part of the team, having performing plenty of exercises, warm-ups, and training. The Jamaican lauded the spinners in their side and felt good to ease the pressure off Mandeep Singh, who he appreciated for playing so well despite going through a lot. Gayle admitted that it was wonderful to watch Mandeep point towards the sky after winning the game and scoring a fifty. He added that it feels beautiful to step up in a crucial match like today’s and revealed that youngsters are requesting him not to retire.

Been training off the field when not playing. Doing my runs. Gym. Feeling good. Have a good feeling about myself and the team. Just capitalising on it, but still a long way to go. We had two very good spinners, we had to make a quick adjustment. Quickly assess what they were doing. And once you get going, you ease the pressure off Mandeep as well. Sunil has got me out so many times. He is the best spinner in the world.

So when you get a wicket like this, when it is not turning much, you got to cash in. Mandeep is going through a lot. Last game we said we want to win it for him. So beautiful to watch him in the middle pointing out to his father watching from above. And dad, my dad, I love you. Today the coach asked the senior players, we need to step up in crucial games, I am glad we were able to put my hand up. And the youngsters in the team are telling me, ‘Don’t retire,” Gayle, who received the man of the match, told in the post-match presentation.

Also Read: The Way Mandeep Singh Played, It Makes Everyone Emotional: KL Rahul

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