Chris Gayle twice went unsold in IPL 2018 players auction and was picked up by Kings XI Punjab at the last minute.
'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle on Thursday hammered the first hundred of the ongoing 11th season of the Indian Premier League to steer his team Kings XI Punjab to a 15-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. Gayle, arguably one of the best batsmen in the shortest format, hit an unbeaten 63-ball 104-run knock which was studded with 11 sixes and a boundary. (Pics: Chris Gayle woos Preity Zinta with Bhangra moves post KXIP's win over SRH)
A cornered tiger can be dangerous and Gayle showed why he has taken the initial lack of interest of franchises to his heart. Each and every six was signature Gayle. Minimum footwork and maximum power behind the shots. This was also his sixth IPL hundred - the most by any player.
Gayle was not retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the IPL 2018 players auction in January and was ignored initially by most of the franchises. He twice went unsold but was picked up by Kings XI Punjab at the last minute.
And he once again proved that he is far from being finished.
Gayle was given an opportunity by the KXIP in their third game and he responded by slamming a 33-ball 63 and helping the team to earn a narrow 4-run win over Chennai Super Kings.
Against Sunrisers, the big-hitting Jamaican was at his best. Gayle's century came against a bowling line-up that is being touted as the most balanced of all eight teams.
Soon after his century, Gayle said Virender Sehwag, director of cricket operations at KXIP, saved the IPL by picking him up.
He also silenced his critics. "A lot of people thought I'm too old. After this innings, I have nothing to prove. This hundred is dedicated to my daughter. Tomorrow is her birthday," Gayle said immediately after his knock.
Gayle's knock also propelled the Twitterati to aim potshots at Royal Challengers Bangalore for failing to retain him.
