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Chris Gayle, often referred to as the “Universe Boss,” is one of the most iconic players in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for his explosive batting, charismatic personality, and ability to entertain crowds, Gayle has left an indelible mark on the tournament. From his record-breaking innings to his insightful opinions on Indian cricket, Gayle continues to be a beloved figure in the cricketing world.
Gayle’s name is synonymous with power-hitting, and his 175* against Pune Warriors India in IPL 2013 remains one of the most memorable moments in cricket history. Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Gayle smashed 17 sixes and 13 fours in a 66-ball carnage that left bowlers and fans alike in awe. This innings not only set the record for the highest individual score in IPL history but also helped RCB post a staggering total of 263/5, which remains the highest team score in the league.
The teams Chris Gayle represented
Throughout his IPL career, Gayle played for three franchises: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), RCB, and Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab). While he began his IPL journey with KKR, it was his stint with RCB from 2011 to 2017 that truly defined his legacy. During this period, he formed a formidable partnership with players like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, creating unforgettable moments for fans.
Gayle later moved to Punjab Kings, where he continued to entertain crowds with his big-hitting prowess. Across 142 IPL matches, he amassed 4,965 runs at an impressive strike rate of 148.96, including six centuries and 31 half-centuries.
Gayle rates Indian stars
Beyond his on-field heroics, Gayle’s understanding of Indian cricket has been evident in his thoughtful assessments of emerging talents. When asked to rate Indian players during an interview, Gayle provided insightful evaluations:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad: 7
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 9
- Shubman Gill: 9
- Abhishek Sharma: 8
- KL Rahul: 8
- Suryakumar Yadav: 9
- Hardik Pandya: 7
- Shreyas Iyer: 8
- Rishabh Pant: 8
Gayle highlighted the immense potential of young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill while acknowledging the established brilliance of stars like Suryakumar Yadav.
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Gayle’s backing for MS Dhoni: A true legend
Gayle has also been vocal about his admiration for MS Dhoni, particularly amidst criticism regarding Dhoni’s batting position in recent IPL seasons. Gayle emphasized Dhoni’s unparalleled value to the league, both as a player and as a leader. He noted that Dhoni’s presence alone energizes fans and inspires teammates.
“With Dhoni, you want him to stay as long as possible. Even if he bats at number 11, people just want a glimpse of him,” Gayle remarked. He also praised Dhoni’s sharp wicketkeeping skills and his contributions to Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) success over the years.
