IPL 2018 | Virender Sehwag saved IPL by picking me in auction, says Chris Gayle

IPL 2018 | Virender Sehwag saved IPL by picking me in auction, says Chris Gayle

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Chris Gayle, while speaking on the post-match presentations, has pointed out that Virender Sehwag saved the IPL by picking him in the auction back in January. The big west-Indian once again has also added that the age is just a number for him after his match-winning knock against Hyderabad.

“The Universe Boss is back” - This is what Chris Gayle had to say after playing a match-winning knock of 67 runs off 33 deliveries against Chennai Super Kings on April 15. And the big-hitting batsman was, in his own inimitable style, oozing with confidence after hitting a match-winning hundred against Sunrisers Hyderabad in yesterday’s match. Gayle’s unbeaten 103 of just 63 deliveries helped Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 15 runs and his 6th IPL hundred also helped Punjab register their third victory of the tournament while SRH succumbed to their first loss. 

While collecting the Man of the Match award, the T20 cricket's biggest superstar had said that Sehwag saved the IPL by picking him in this year’s auction. It is also to note that, the mentor of Kings XI Punjab decided to pick Gayle when the latter remained unsold even after the second round. The 38-year-old Gayle, who warmed the bench in the first two outings for Punjab, however, came all the guns blazing in the last two matches and played two important knocks in the team’s winning cause.   

“I’m always determined. I always give it my all for whatever franchise I represent. I’m a 100 percent. Like I said, it’s a new franchise. A lot of people might say that Chris has a lot to prove – he didn’t get selected or wasn’t picked early in the auction. I think Virender Sehwag has saved IPL by picking me. This is a brilliant start. Viru said in an interview that if Chris Gayle can win us two games, we have got our money’s worth. I’d like to have another word with Viru and see what happens from there on,” the west-indies powerhouse answered.

“Overall, happy with the win and now (time to) move on to Kolkata. It all depends on the mood and conditions are also tricky as well. Playing so many years in India, I know what the conditions are like. I am glad to get a hundred today. This is the final home game in Mohali, and I’m going to miss this wicket. I’m not really here to prove it to anyone.”

Gayle’s wife and daughter were seen expressing happiness over the knock. While celebrating the hundred, Gayle also showed the bat towards his family sitting in the guest box. Later he confirmed that it was his daughter’s birthday on the following day (April 20) and he dedicated the hundred to his baby.

“I’ve done it all before. Been there, done that. Just here to put some respect on the name. Tomorrow’s my daughter’s birthday, so going to spend some time with her and enjoy this win,” he concluded. 

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