Calcutta: For Chris Gayle the IPL has played more than a significant role in the rise of Indian cricket.

Gayle, who has played a big part for Royal Challengers Bangalore to reach the play-offs in IPL VIII, believes that the tournament has really been the shot in the arm for many a young cricketer.

In fact, the IPL has benefited Gayle on personal counts as well. The match-winning knocks he plundered were pretty instrumental in his comeback to the West Indies squad after being ignored for a major portion of the 2011-12 season.

"Look at Indian cricket at the moment. They are dominating all forms of the game now and the reason is the IPL," Gayle was quoted as saying on telegraph.co.uk.

"The players rub shoulders with their international opponents. They share the same dressing rooms.

"They know what they are thinking. Then they become bolder performing for their countries. That is because of IPL and it is fantastic," he added.

Fulfilling his county commitment for Somerset before heading off to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Gayle, 35, has urged the English management to allow its players to participate in T20 leagues around the world.

"It might be difficult for your guys to go away and play in the T20 format - but they just need to free up their cricket a bit; it's as simple as that," the destructive left-hand opener said.

Friends with Kevin Pietersen, Gayle believes that England are missing a fine batsman in not utilising KP's services.

"He should be playing for England, there are no two ways about it," he said.

"They (the ECB) must have their reasons but we would love to see your best player in action, out in the middle, entertaining. It doesn't matter what format - Test, 50-over, Twenty20 - he's a class player.

Kevin have not been a part of the scheme of things for England, being axed due to "a massive trust issue" between the player and the England and Wales Cricket Board relating to his previous indiscretions.

Instead, the South Africa-born batsman is due to represent the St Lucia Zouks in the CPL which begins on June 20.

"One of the best players England have ever produced. But it's your loss. KP is looking forward to the CPL.

:England don't want him? We will take him. He will entertain the fans. We will make some sales off him, sell some tickets. It should be fantastic. The CPL is going to be one big party," he added.

Sans the swashbuckling Pietersen, Gayle definitely backs Australia in the upcoming Ashes.

"Australia are definitely the favourites. For sure. But we'll see. I think the first Test will set the tone and decide the series. England are always strong at home but they need to be adventurous and aggressive. That is what cricket is about now," he said.

"England have some quality players - [Jos] Buttler, [Alex] Hales, Morgan - those guys can hurt you in one-day cricket. Joe Root. They are match winners. I think it's maybe a mental situation," he pointed out.