IPL 2021 – PBKS VS RCB Punjab Kings Chris Gayle’s Big Wish: The Universe Boss Chris Gayle is looking in a smashing form against Virat Kohli’s Royal CHallengers Bangalore. Gayle before the game had declared that Punjab Kings has a squad that can go all the way this IPL. Gayle in a special interview to InsideSport.co declared that he would like to win IPL this year and his target is to play the IPL tile the age of 45.
IPL 2021 – PBKS VS RCB: Gayle is also super-impressed with team’s new recruit Shahrukh Khan and according to him, along with Nicholas Pooran he is the team’s X factor.
This is your fourth year with Punjab, how has the experience been? You were adored by RCB fans.
It’s been fantastic. I’ve had three excellent years with Punjab. The only thing that’s a bit unfortunate is the fact we didn’t make that extra step and get into the playoffs, we missed out twice, just to win one game and we fell short. But we’ve been very good as a unit, the owners have been fantastic and we have to give credit to them. They make sure we feel very comfortable. At the end of the day it’s up to us, the players, to deliver the goods which we fell short. Last year we started strong… But it’s a great franchise and I’m enjoying each and every moment. It’s been fantastic and I’m grateful to represent Punjab Kings.
IPL 2021 – Who do you think would be the x-factor for Punjab this season?
We always have an x-factor – for example, a guy like Nicholas Pooran, and the captain as well. We have so many X factors, including some new incomings such as Shahrukh Khan. All those guys are X factors and can play a big part. All the new guys are ready to make a name for themselves, to make an impact within the team. We also have a lot of experience so it’s gonna be good!
On the personal front, how are you managing to stay motivated inside a bio-bubble?
The bubble is very tough. But you just have to suck it up and move on. There’s nothing you can do about it. It’s something everyone is going through from a sportsperson’s view. Cricket, basketball, football organisations – everybody is doing it, it’s all the same. We know it’s a tough situation to be in. Hopefully, this thing can change. We know it can affect you mentally so we have to stay strong, try to keep yourself active as much as possible, talk to each other.
What is your preference in batting order? Are you still comforting in middle order?
Opening the batting has always been my bread and butter. I’ve been doing this for many years. Now from my team’s point of view – they’ve asked me to play a particular role and I don’t see it as a problem, I’ll do it. And I’ll make sure I’m the best person to do that particular job.
You have constantly defined new boundaries and perfectly exemplify that “Age is just a number”. What are the targets for this season?
From a personal point of view, I’ve got nothing left to prove, I’ve done it all. As an individual, you always want to better your performance from last year so if I can do it, it will be a plus for me. From a team point of view, it’s to take the team into the playoff and then progress to the final and then win the final. That would be the big achievement! I would love to win this IPL. I’m looking forward to that as well. Yes, age is just a number, I’m still in good shape, still have a lot of cricket to offer. I still have a couple of more years, my target is 45. I’m 41 now, will turn 42 this year so there’s still a long way to go.
Last year you were brought in late and right from the start we could see “Universe Boss” smashing in IPL. How do you still manage to do that?
Yeah, I held my composure. I was very disappointed I didn’t start last year, being such a senior and you have the greatest player in this format sitting on the bench. It is an error from my point of view. When I got the chance, it was a long delay, when I was supposed to play, I got sick again so I missed the first 7 games… but I was mentally prepared whenever I was called upon. I was still working hard, I was still supporting the team even though I wasn’t playing. I was still giving my input to help the team win games. When I got the chance I made sure I was ready mentally, I delivered and I’m very happy with that. I’ll always be ready to perform.
You did well in the PSL in the two games that you played. For WI, you did not get many runs. After years of experience, do you worry about the form before going into a different tournament?
No, no, I’m not worried. I play cricket all over the world. Unfortunately, when I went to Pakistan, I wanted to play the full Pakistan series because I set myself a target in that particular series to try and be the best player in that tournament. I got a good start but due to international cricket I had a lot of journeys so that didn’t go according to plan from a personal point of view. However, from the team’s point of view, the team needed that particular series win to give us that booster. It’s a big year for us – the World Cup is coming up, we try to get that team to bond as much as possible. Anyway, I didn’t get the start I wanted in international cricket but down the road I’ll eventually pick up at some point and then take it further. That’s how it goes, I’ve been travelling all over the world. That’s the life of The Universe Boss, you know! I’m always geared up and prepare myself towards whatever I’m looking to accomplish.
With rising COVID-19 cases in India, are you, as an overseas player, worried to play in the IPL?
I’m not worried at all, we know the situation here. We’re protected, we’re in a bubble and we’re being taken care of. There are implemented rules and a safety protocol which we follow and don’t put ourselves in jeopardy. We just have to make sure we follow the rules and have a successful IPL.
IPL 2021 – PBKS VS RCB
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