IPL 2020: Anil Kumble Reveals The Reason Behind Chris Gayle Not Playing Against SRH

Kings XI Punjab head coach Anil Kumble has revealed the reason behind Chris Gayle not getting a chance in the playing game for the clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday.

The West Indies star had to warm the bench in the first five of the ongoing IPL 2020 as KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal impressed at the top of the order. And while Kings XI Punjab are unlikely to tinker with their opening pair at least for now, recent reports suggested that Chris Gayle might replace misfiring Glenn Maxwell in the playing eleven for the SRH clash in Dubai.

Maxwell has endured a terrible outing in IPL 2020 so far. In five games so far, he has managed to score only 41 runs with 13 being his highest score. However, Kings XI Punjab had to retain the Australian in their playing eleven on Thursday as Chris Gayle was ill, according to Kumble. The head coach revealed that the veteran batsman was down with food poisoning.

“Chris Gayle was going to play today’s match but he’s sick. He’s down with food poisoning that’s why he isn’t in playing eleven,” Anil Kumble told the commentators during the clash.

Chris Gayle is unlikely to open the batting even when he gets the chance in the playing eleven. With both Rahul and Agarwal in stunning form at the moment, the team-management is unlikely to change the opening pair. The left-handed batsman, however, could bat at number four for the side.

Kings XI Punjab will be hoping that Chris Gayle’s return changes their fortunes. The Punjab-based outfit are once again in danger of missing out on the playoff spot. They have managed to win just one of their opening five games and are languishing in the bottom half of the points table.

Also Read: Delhi Capitals Striving To Be Better Side Everyday: Harshal Patel

Also Read: IPL 2020: Mahela Jayawardene Concedes That Mumbai Indians Can Improve In Certain Areas