Former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Kevin Pietersen believe that Punjab Kings did not do justice to Chris Gayle, who left the bio bubble midway into the second phase of the IPL 2021.
Speaking on Star Sports, Pietersen stated that Punjab Kings have not maximised Gayle’s potential and deserved to be backed instead of having him in and out of the playing XI.
“He is not being treated right in his environment. He feels like they are using him and getting rid of him, using him and getting rid of him. They didn’t play him on his birthday, cast him aside. If he is not happy, he is 42, let him do what he wants.”
It is important to note that Gayle hasn’t been in good touch this year and struggled to score in international T20s and Caribbean Premier League. Even in the IPL, he could only manage 193 runs in 10 innings at an average of 21.4, with the best of 46.
Gavaskar echoed Pietersen’s thoughts, adding that he finds it hard to understand the Punjab management:
“I think he is in and out of the team. I don’t know what the calculations are. And sure, he is over 40 and he might not be able to do it at a consistent level that he used to do. But he is a game-changer.”
The 42-year-old has earlier announced his decision to leave the Premier League bubble, citing that he wants to stay fresh mentally and physically ahead of the West Indies’ T20 title defence.
Punjab Kings remain in the playoffs race after taking their tally to 10 points with a five-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday.
