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West Indies legend Chris Gayle, one of the most celebrated names in T20 cricket, has made startling revelations about his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking candidly on a podcast with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, Gayle accused an IPL franchise of showing him “disrespect” and admitted that the experience left him battling depression for the first time in his life.
The cricketer, famously known as the “Universe Boss” for his larger-than-life persona and explosive batting style, shared how the situation unfolded during the 2021 IPL season, when the tournament was being played under strict bio-bubble restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chris Gayle reveals painful IPL experience with a franchise
Gayle’s association with the IPL stretches back to the league’s very first season in 2008. Over the years, he has represented Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings, leaving an unforgettable mark with his power-hitting. His 175 not out for RCB in 2013 remains the highest individual score in IPL history, while his consistency as a top-order batter made him a household name.
However, despite his stature and contributions, Gayle admitted that his stint with Punjab Kings between 2018 and 2021 ended on a sour note. According to him, the franchise did not give him the respect he deserved as a senior cricketer who had contributed immensely to the league’s popularity.
Recalling the 2021 season, Gayle revealed how he felt sidelined and undervalued by the Punjab Kings management. The explosive batter admitted that this was the first time in his life he felt pushed into a state of depression.
“Oh my IPL ended prematurely, you know, with Punjab to be honest with you. Yeah, I mean absolutely, I mean I was disrespected in the franchise, Punjab Kings XI. You know, I felt like I wasn’t being treated properly for a senior guy done so much for the league, you know, bring so much value to the franchise as well. And then you’re being disrespected and they treat you like a kid, you know, and then pretty much I’m just like I felt like the building was on my shoulder. That’s the first time in my life I ever felt like a depression mode,” said Gayle.
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Emotional breakdown and conversation with Anil Kumble
Gayle further revealed that the situation became so overwhelming that he reached out to Anil Kumble, the then-head coach of Punjab Kings. He recounted how an emotional conversation with the Indian legend left him in tears.
“I called Anil (Anil Kumble). I had a one-on-one discussion. I was destroyed inside. So, I called him and had a one-on-one talk to him, you know, actually breakdown as well, literally a breakdown when I was talking to him because I was really hurt. Oh yeah I cried and I was disappointed with Anil and how the entire thing was actually run, the franchise was actually run at that time and I said listen man thank you,” Gayle admitted.
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