Can We Not See Chris Gayle Anymore In IPL?

Legendary T20 player Chris Gayle decided to leave IPL 2021 due to bio-bubble fatigue. His team Punjab Kings announced the news in an official statement last night. Gayle played two games in the second leg of this season and now wants to leave the bio-bubble, in order to stay fresh for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

“Chris Gayle has been part of bio-bubbles constantly since cricket resumed post the pandemic, starting from the 2020 Indian Premier League. He also was part of the West Indies squads for their home games against Sri Lanka and Australia. That was immediately followed by the 2021 Caribbean Premier League, where Gayle was once again in a bio-bubble environment for the entirety of the competition,” stated Punjab Kings in an official note.

“Chris Gayle too has taken this decision keeping in mind the T20 World Cup which begins on 17th October. The 42-year-old has opted to prioritize his mental health and take a bit of a breather from bubble environments so as to stay fresh and energized in what could be his last T20 World Cup as a player for West Indies,” the franchise further added.

Gayle has been an iconic player in the history of the Indian Premier League. But mostly, this might be the end of his IPL career. He is 42 now and is not in the prime stage of his career. He is shining occasionally and is struggling with fitness.

In the next year’s mega auction, there are chances of teams not showing interest in Gayle due to his fitness and age issues.

Fans are hoping that some team picks him up and at least keeps him in the dugout as a stand by. But it has to be seen if franchises will be keen on spending money on him. Chris Gayle holds many records in the IPL, including the highest individual score (175*).