#HappyBirthday: Interesting facts about Windies stalwart Chris Gayle
West Indies stalwart and 'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle turned 39 today. The swashbuckling opening batsman has been one of the most celebrated cricketers of all time. Gayle, a pioneer of T20 cricket, has continued to excel with his effective stand and deliver mode even till this day. Here are interesting facts about the player, who is a household name across the globe.
Universal Boss!
Chris Gayle is the king of T20 cricket
Gayle is the second highest T20I run-getter for West Indies (1,607). He is 4 runs behind Marlon Samuels. He has 2 hundreds and 13 T20I fifties. Gayle is the record holder for most runs in T20 cricket (11,737). He also holds the record for most centuries in this format (21) and most fifties (71). He has also slammed the most number of sixes (863).
Gayle's exploits in IPL
Gayle is the ninth highest run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (3,994). He has the most number of centuries in the IPL (6). The 'Universe Boss' also has the record for most sixes hit (292). His 175* is still the highest score ever.
A look at Gayle's background
In 2005, Gayle suffered from a heart condition during West Indies tour of Australia, where he got dizzy and fainted. Gayle's inspiration in life is his primary school teacher, Mrs. June Hamilton. He invited her while playing his 100th Test for WI. His father was a policeman and his mother sold nibbles in the neighborhood. He has 5 other siblings.
Gayle's Test feats are extraordinary as well
Gayle is often remembered as a player known for his T20 exploits, but few know his feats in Test cricket. He has played over 100 Tests for West Indies and is the eighth highest scorer for them with 7,214 runs. Gayle has two triple hundreds in Test cricket and belongs to an elite list. He is also West Indies' third most prolific Test opener.
Gayle's records are a tremendous achievement
He became the first man in the history of cricket to hit a double century in the 50-over World Cup. Gayle had smashed 215 against Zimbabwe in the ICC 2015 World Cup. He is the only cricketer in the world to have a T20I ton, a double century in ODIs and triple hundred in Tests. We hope he continues to get the storm going.
Off the field- Other facts about Gayle
Known for charity, Gayle started with 'The Chris Gayle Academies' in Jamaica and London to help educate at-risk young people. He also has his own sports bar in Jamaica known as the 'Triple Century Sports Bar'.
