Gayle had previously spent seven seasons with Royal Challengers Bangalore, scoring more than 3000 runs for the franchise. And according to a startling revelation made by Gayle during an interview with TOI, RCB had assured Gayle that he would be retained before they took a big u-turn. However, Gayle seemed to have moved on from the incident and stated that his numbers in the T20 format speak for themselves.   

“It was disappointing from that end, because they had called me. They wanted me in the team and I was told that I will be retained. But they never called back after that. So that gave me the impression that they didn’t want me and it’s fine. As I said, I can’t fight with anyone. I think I had a wonderful CPL and BPL – where I scored two centuries for my side Rangpur Riders. The stats don’t lie: 21 centuries, most number of sixes. If that doesn’t put a stamp on brand Chris Gayle, I don’t know what will,” said Chris Gayle to TOI.

“I’ll be honest in admitting that it was very surprising for me to not get picked by any team. I don’t know what went behind closed doors but I also understand that these things happen. It’s just the way it is. But it’s fine. I’ve moved on from it. Like I said, it’s a great opportunity to be playing for King XI Punjab and so far I’ve had a great time. Perhaps it was supposed to happen, you know. King Gayle; destined to be playing for Kings XI Punjab,” said Gayle.