Chris Gayle certainly was a nightmare for bowlers be it at the international level or franchise cricket. If we focus in the IPL, Gayle holds the record for smashing the most number of maximums in the tournament (357). Rohit Sharma, who features second in the list has 302 and has played 126 more innings than the "Universal Boss". There's one more record that Gayle holds, which appears almost impossible to break. Gayle smashed an unbeaten 175 off 66 balls during a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Pune Warriors, which stands as the highest individual score in the history of the competition.
Despite his massive impact, Gayle chose to draw curtains before IPL 2022 and during a podcast with Shubhankar Mishra on his YouTube show 'Unplugged', the former Windies cricketer reflected on his decision. During the interaction, Gayle opened up about the ill-treatment, which led to depression, and eventually proved to be the reason from him quitting the lucrative T20 league.
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"My IPL ended pretty much with Punjab. I was disrespected in the franchise, Punjab Kings, I felt like I wasn't being treated properly for a senior guy who has done so much for the league, bring so much value to the franchise as well. And then you've been disrespected and treated like a kid.
"I felt like the building was on my shoulder. That's the first time in my life I felt like a depression mode. So, when people speak about depression? I get a little sense of that. Money at that stage? Nothing, you don't need money, right. Your mental health is so important than money," said Gayle.
Conversation with Anil Kumble and KL Rahul then
India legend Anil Kumble was the coach of the franchise and KL Rahul the captain. Gayle said he a telephonic conversation with both individuals and expressed disappointment at both Kumble at how the franchise was being run in those years.
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"I called Anil (Kumble), had a one-on-one discussion and said I'm leaving. Because that at the same time as well, I had to work and we were in a bubble, so you couldn't come out. So you were like it was just really puzzling and destroying mental health. I was being destroyed inside, and after the last game I played against Mumbai. I'm like, yo it doesn't make sense. I'm going to do myself more damage rather than be at peace.
"So, I called him and have a one-on-one to talk to him, actually break down as well because I was really hurt.
"I was disappointed with Anil and how the entire team was actually run at that time. KL Rahul was the captain, he called me and said, yo Chris you want to stay, you'll play the next game. I was like listen to me man I wish you guys all the very best. I just pack my bag and I walk out," he said.
Gayle represented Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL and played 142 matches. He finished his IPL career with 4965 runs, which featured six tons and 31 half-centuries. With the ball he managed 18 wickets, with 3/21 being his best bowling figures.
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