IPL 2020: ‘How can Universe Boss be nervous’ says Chris Gayle as he helps KXIP win against RCB

KXIP batsman Chris Gayle during his knock of 53 against RCB at Sharjah. Image Source: BCCI/IPL

Xtra Time Web Desk: Chris Gayle on Thursday said he was not nervous at all while he walked out in the middle for the first time in this edition of IPL. Gayle played his first match of IPL 2020 and left a lasting impact. The big hitting Jamaican did not made it feel he was coming back after a long break. His 45 ball 53 paved the way for a comprehensive 8 wickets win for KXIP against RCB at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. He hit 5 massive sixes during his stay at the crease.  

On being asked whether he was nervous as he walked out to bat, a relaxed Gayle said, “Not really. Come on man, it is the Universe Boss batting, how can I be nervous. I might give you a heart attack, I thought I had it in the bag but stranger things have happened in cricket. It was a good innings, first in IPL and now I can make myself available for 2021.”

Talking about his role in the team, Gayle said, “ The team asked me to do a job and I deliver, openers have been batting well and we didn’t want to trouble that, Mayank and the captain have given us some good starts right through, the win was more important for the team. I thought it was important to keep fit, I don’t like being on the bench but I was enjoying it and apart from the sickness I have been getting fitter.”

Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul heaped huge praises on Gayle.

“He’s (Gayle) not been feeling well in the last couple of weeks. But, he is hungry even at 41. He always wanted to play from the first day. He was training hard, he wanted be out on the park. It was a tough call to make and not make him play. It’s important to keep the lion hungry. Wherever he bats, he’s dangerous. He’s taken it up as a challenge as well. He’ll still be intimidating,” signs off KL.