Chris Gayle : You can still see what I have to offer to the IPL

Gayle was a last-minute buy for Preity Zinta & Co. at the IPL auction held earlier this year in January, having gone unsold on two occasions during the course of the auction. The Windies man was finally picked up for his base price of Rs. 2 crores by Kings XI Punjab under the guidance of former Indian opener Virender Sehwag.

Gayle repaid the faith shown in him by the KXIP management as he went on to score 368 runs in 11 matches for the Punjab-based franchise which involved three half-centuries and one century as well. Gayle claimed that he still had a lot to offer the sport of cricket despite what critics might say.

“I was not surprised. Whether it was the first or last minute (being picked) does not matter. But I don’t have too many expectations in life. You have to prepare yourself for disappointments. I have seen these things happen in the IPL,” said Gayle in an interview with Mumbai Mirror.

Gayle then went on and boasted that Sehwag had saved the IPL, by signing him, after he scored a ton against Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

“It was not a joke, I am serious. You have said IPL needs stars and you have answered the question. I have done so much for the IPL. You look back and see what I have done for the IPL. I had two centuries and won a trophy, still active and playing. You can still see what I have to offer to the game. I love to continue playing in India. This is where a lot of passion lies. There is some fuel in the tank,” said Gayle.

Gayle blasted his critics who often cite age as a common reason for shooting negative comments his way. Gayle highlighted the success of CSK opener Shane Watson who managed to get two tons this IPL, including one in the final against SRH as another example of how age is not a barrier for success in the sport of cricket.

“Maybe it is because of my age. How old is Watson? He has scored two centuries. I am 39 and still scoring hundreds,” said Gayle.