Chris Gayle Has To Be Used Very, Very Soon: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar, former Indian opener-turned commentator, has said that Kings XI Punjab should slot-in ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle into the playing XI before it gets too late for them in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League.

While Gavaskar called for the inclusion of the West Indian swashbuckler in the side in the lead-up to KXIP’s game against SunRisers Hyderabad, Gayle has once again found himself out of favor even as Kings XI Punjab made three changes to their playing XI against David Warner-led SRH.

“Yes, I would definitely look at him. Also, he brings in a left-handed option to the middle. Glenn Maxwell has not been able to strike the ball well. This is the time, after that it will become too late. In the next couple of matches is where Gayle has to come in,” Gavaskar told Star Sports in the lead up to the toss on Thursday in Dubai.

“Whether he comes in at 3 or 4, or whether he opens the batting and Mayank Agarwal drops to 3, whatever the combination is. But I do believe Chris Gayle has to be used very, very soon. Otherwise, it may become too late.”

Chris Gayle has been one of the perennial legends of the IPL. Besides holding the record for most sixes in the competition, Gayle is among the top-10 run-getters in the history of the IPL. The ‘Universe Boss’ also holds the record for most 100-plus scores [6] in IPL cricket. His last hundred came in the 2018 IPL- his maiden stint for KXIP.

Recently, KXIP batting coach Wasim Jaffer was asked when can we see Chris Gayle in the starting XI. Jaffer responded by saying that both Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Gayle will soon be in the park. While Mujeeb had made his first appearance in the 2020 IPL, fans are yet to see the swashbuckling Gayle in action, who according to head-coach Anil Kumble was close to playing today before food poisoning ruled him out.

Also Read- Wasim Jaffer Provides An Update On When Will Chris Gayle Break Into KXIP’s Playing 11