Gayle's absence from the KXIP playing 11 since the start of the tournament kick-started a lot of criticism on social media and whether or not the Windies powerhouse would get a game.
The much-awaited return of Chris Gayle was set to be over during Kings XI Punjab's (KXIP) clash against SunRisers Hyderabad on Thursday (October 8) but was called off after the veteran opener suffered a stomach bug, KXIP head coach Anil Kumble revealed.
Gayle's absence from the KXIP playing 11 since the start of the tournament kick-started a lot of criticism on social media and whether or not the Windies powerhouse would get a game. Kumble, during his interaction with the host broadcasters during the SRH innings at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium revealed that Gayle was actually part of the plan for the game.
"Gayle was going to play today, but he is down with food poisoning," Kumble revealed.
Earlier, speaking to ANI, star batsman Mayank Agarwal had mentioned that Gayle has been constantly helping the batting group in the franchise by sharing his experience.
"Gayle is an integral part of KXIP whether playing or mentoring. He has been speaking to all of us, contributing in the batters' meeting and also sharing stuff which is crucial. I have had great conversations with Gayle. We first played together in RCB and just watching him play and chatting is fantastic.
"Even here he told me don't have to do anything extraordinary, just keep trusting your skills and execute them. He asks me to go out and enjoy the game. Before the last game he said you are batting great and just look to get into good batting positions. If you are striking well, make sure you continue scoring runs. These are just a few of the many good things he keeps saying. He is just not helping me, but a lot of the batsmen," he had said.
(with ANI inputs)
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