Chris Gayle is undoubtedly an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has been part of some remarkable wins and delivered incredible performances on the home turf in Bengaluru. At the 2011 IPL Auction, the West Indian cricketer remained unsold but was eventually brought in as a replacement for Dirk Nannes by RCB owner Vijay Mallya. As Chris Gayle recalled, he was at a nightclub when he got the call from Mallya! In no time, the destructive batsman proved his worth with 608 runs in 12 matches and two centuries. This earned him the Orange Cap.
Speaking to AB de Villiers in a video released by RCB, Gayle said:
“There was something behind it as well because I wasn’t selected for the West Indies, and didn’t get picked up in the IPL as well. There was a lot of talk around it and when I got that call from Anil (Kumble) and Vijay (Mallya) at the time asking, “Chris are you available?” I was in a nightclub when I got that call I think. They said, “Chris go to the embassy tomorrow, on a Saturday, pick up a visa and come.””
Chris Gayle further added that he could feel the positivity right away when he joined the RCB camp, and he had nothing but praise for former coach Ray Jennings.
“As soon as I arrived, the energy and the buzz was pretty much right there, We had a problem with the NOC and I didn’t get to play the first few games. Then we went to Kolkata and I got a century against my former team, which was just fantastic and Ray Jennings was fantastic. His presentation before a game was superb.”
RCB made a glaring impact on my life: Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle discussed how being a part of the RCB team and their massive devoted fan base had a great effect on his life. He noted that, at times, he put himself in dangerous situations while trying to please and entertain the audience.
“Played a big part, to be honest with you, not only has it played a big part, I think it’s one of the best venues. I’ve actually played that the fans, the roar, the chants and it’s fantastic. I get goosebumps when I’m playing there, you know, so we want a six.”
“A lot of times I got into trouble, because, you know, I try to please the crowd as much as possible. When they say we want six, we want six and RCB chants, you try to give them exactly what they’re trying to get. Sometimes it comes up. Sometimes it doesn’t. But at the same time, it’s one of the best venues and I really loved playing in front of the fans. One of the best I’ve ever played in front of.”
He rated his unbeaten 175 against the Pune Warriors as the most memorable moment with the franchise.
“I think the 175,” he added. “It was the standout, to be honest. Everywhere I go, pretty much there is one talk about the 175. The stories I hear about the knock, people walking up people back at the Caribbean when I was batting. It was a great moment and a great achievement for me.”
Chris Gayle has been honored with a place in RCB’s prestigious Hall of Fame, and his jersey was retired in recognition of his significant achievements.