RCB vs MI: "I Was In A Nightclub" - Chris Gayle Speaks On His Talk With Vijay Mallya Before Joining Royal Challengers Bangalore

Last Update on: March 28th, 2023 at 04:58 pm

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Chris Gayle’s role in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been unparalleled. He has played a crucial part in several important victories and delivered some remarkable performances at the Bengaluru home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Gayle, the West Indian power-hitter, joined RCB in IPL 2011 as a replacement for Dirk Nannes after not being sold in the auction. He made an instant impact, scoring 608 runs in just 12 matches, which included two centuries and three half-centuries, and went on to win the prestigious Orange Cap.

Thanks to Chris Gayle’s outstanding performances with the bat, RCB managed to reach the final of the tournament but unfortunately fell short, losing by 58 runs to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Chepauk Stadium.

Also Read: IPL 2023: Watch – Chennai Super Kings Fans Roar For Their Thala As MS Dhoni Walks Down To The Middle At Chepauk

We Had A Problem With The NOC: Chris Gayle

In a video released by the RCB, AB de Villiers interviewed Chris Gayle, during which Gayle disclosed that he was at a nightclub when he got a call from RCB owner Vijay Mallya. Gayle also expressed his admiration for the team’s energy and praised former coach Ray Jennings for his contributions.

Also Read: IPL 2023: WATCH – Fans In Frenzy As MS Dhoni Sighted At Chepauk Gym During Chennai Super Kings Training Session

“There was something behind it as well because I wasn’t selected for the West Indies, and didn’t get picked up in the IPL as well. There was a lot of talk around it and when I got that call from Anil (Kumble) and Vijay (Mallya) at the time asking, “Chris are you available?” I was in a nightclub when I got that call I think. They said, “Chris go to the embassy tomorrow, on a Saturday, pick up a visa and come.”

“As soon as I arrived, the energy and the buzz was pretty much right there,” he continued. “We had a problem with the NOC and I didn’t get to play the first few games. Then we went to Kolkata and I got a century against my former team, which was just fantastic and Ray Jennings was fantastic. His presentation before a game was superb.”

Chris Gayle also discussed how the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise and its huge fan base have had a significant impact on his life. He rated his unbeaten 175 against the now-defunct Pune Warriors as his most unforgettable moment with the team. Recently, Chris Gayle was honoured by being inducted into RCB’s Hall of Fame, and the owners retired his jersey in recognition of his valuable contributions.

Also read: IPL 2023: The Uncapped Indians Will Gain, As They Will Get More Opportunities – Aakash Chopra On Introduction Of Impact Player Rule