IPL 2018: Chris Gayle Dedicates his Knock to His Daughter

It was payback time for Chris Gayle on Thursday (April 19). The most decorated batsman in the history of T20 cricket cut a sorry figure in this year’s auction.

Despite being one of the best players in the history of the league, there were no bidders for him. He was picked up only after his name was called three separate times at the auction.

Kings XI Punjab pounced upon the chance and secured Gayle’s services at a steal for his base price of INR 2 crore.

And Gayle has not taken much time to repay the faith. The left-hander has played two games so far and has bagged the Man of the Match award in both of them. He could not find a place in the playing eleven for the first two games before being given a chance for the match against Chennai Super Kings. He marked his arrival with a whirlwind knock of 63 against the two-time IPL champions.

On Thursday, he went on to make his critics eat their words with even a better display. The veteran batsman scored the first century of the season, helping Kings XI Punjab defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad. He notched up his sixth IPL century and 21st in T20s overall off 58 balls.

The stunning knock was studded with 11 towering sixes and a solitary boundary. The first 50 came off 39 balls, and Gayle took a mere 19 balls to complete the second 50.

He reached the three-digit mark with a single, and the celebrations followed. The 38-year old gestured rocking a baby in a cradle, with his wife and daughter in the VIP box to celebrate the moment.

Soon after completing his ton, he insisted he has nothing to prove. The southpaw stated that he wants to earn respect in all the part of the world.

“A lot of people thought that I am old. Nothing to prove though. Wherever I go across the globe, just want to earn some respect,” said the 38-year old.

He further dedicated his innings to his daughter.

“This one is dedicated to my daughter Crisalina though; it’s her birthday tomorrow. So, yeah, this is for her. Tomorrow she will turn two, and it’s her second time in India. We’re hoping to have a nice time. I am glad to score my century in just my second game at home, feels really good. Fantastic innings and I hope we can defend it. Viru mentioned two good guys to me – the yoga guy and the massage guy, who help me stay flexible. Hopefully, I’ll be able to touch my feet in a week’s time,” he said.

Kings XI Punjab went on to defend the target comfortably, beating Hyderabad by 15 runs.