'Won't retire anytime soon', says Chris Gayle
Universe Boss Chris Gayle has no plans to announce his retirement from the game in near future. Speaking to his Kings XI Punjab team-mate Mandeep Singh following a one-sided victory against Kolkata Knight Riders, Gayle said, "no retirement coming anytime soon." Notably, the duo powered KXIP to an eight-wicket victory over KKR to boost their chances of qualification. Here is more.
KXIP vs KKR: How did the match pan out?
Kolkata Knight Riders put up 149, riding on knocks of Shubman Gill and Eoin Morgan. The rest of batsmen failed to step up as the KXIP bowlers tormented the batting line-up. Chasing 150, the likes of Chris Gayle and Mandeep Singh powered them to a comfortable victory. Both the batsmen completed their fifties, finishing the run-chase in the 19th over.
Gayle and Mandeep shine against the Knights
Mandeep, whose father passed away a few days ago, went on to slam his seventh IPL fifty. This was also his first after the 2017 season. Joining him was Universe Boss Chris Gayle, who raced to his 30th half-century in the tournament (51).
Father would be really happy with my knock: Mandeep
Speaking on his match-winning knock, Mandeep said his father always told him to return unbeaten. "My father always used to tell me that you should remain not-out in every game. Before the game, I spoke to Rahul, telling him let me play my game. I think my father would be really happy today that I finished the game and remained not out," Mandeep said.
Gayle has been in sublime touch this season
Gayle has been in terrific form ever since he made a comeback in the thirteenth IPL edition. In five games, he has racked up 177 runs at a strike-rate of 138.28, including two fifties. He has already smashed 15 sixes this season. Also, his form has turned the fortunes of Kings XI Punjab as they haven't lost a single game since his return.
Leading run-scorer in T20 cricket
Chris Gayle is the leading run-scorer in T20 cricket, having aggregated 13,473 runs from 409 matches at a strike-rate of 146.82. This is 3,052 more than the next-best Kieron Pollard. Gayle's phenomenal tally also includes a record 22 tons and 993 sixes. Considering his current form and fitness, Gayle seems to be playing at least till the impending T20 World Cup.
