Chris Gayle to Return in IPL 2019, Claims 'Fuel in the Tank' Left

Kings XI Punjab batsman, Chris Gayle has vowed to make another comeback into the next season of the Indian Premier League.

The combative batsman had a decent season for the Punjab franchise, as he scored 368 runs in the 11 innings he played.

Gayle believes he has given back a lot to the Indian Premier League. The Windies southpaw batsman who has turned 39, believes he can continue to play in the IPL.

The pugnacious batsman said IPL is the best domestic T20 league and he loves coming back to India.

Gayle’s form dipped in the second half of the season.

Meanwhile, midway into the season, Gayle had said Virender Sehwag saved the IPL after buying him in auctions. This statement was taken as a joke. However, Gayle added he was serious. Chris Gayle told Mumbai Mirror,

“It was not a joke; I am serious. You have said IPL needs stars and you have answered the question. I have done so much for the IPL. You look back and see what I have done for the IPL. I had two centuries and won a trophy, still active and playing. You can still see what I have to offer to the game. I love to continue playing in India. This is where a lot of passion lies. There is some fuel in the tank”.

Gayle added the IPL is the best domestic tournament and loves coming back to India. Meanwhile, Kings XI Punjab had a good start, but they veered off the track in the later stage.

“Without a doubt! It was superb to be part of the IPL once more. It is the best tournament in the world. I played for a new franchise, the reception there was fantastic. We had a good start, but we lost the momentum in the final stages. Hopefully, next year,” he said.

Gayle added he was overlooked on the first day of the IPL auctions because of his age.

However, Gayle added Shane Watson showed that age is just a number in the final of the season.

Age is just a number.

“I have no idea. Maybe it is because of my age. How old is Watson? He has scored two centuries. I am 39 and still scoring hundreds,” he said.

When his former franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore did not retain Gayle, he was not surprised.

The Universe Boss added such things are expected to happen in the IPL. Gayle said he didn’t even follow the auctions, as it was early morning for him back home.

“No, no, no. I was not surprised. Whether it was the first or last minute (being picked) does not matter. But I don’t have too many expectations in life. You have to prepare yourself for disappointments. I have seen these things happen in the IPL. I was not actually following the auction. It was early morning for me back home in the Caribbean,” Gayle went on add.