Calcutta: The 'Universe Boss' is turning out to be the boss in the ongoing IPL as well.
Not included in the side in Kings XI Punjab's first two matches, Gayle announced his arrival in IPL XI with a bang. Match-winning efforts of 63 and an unbeaten century, followed by a 62 not out, only proved that even at 38, he still rules.
For some time, Gayle was the Orange Cap holder after KXIP's nine-wicket victory at the Eden on Saturday, till Virat Kohli overtook him a little while later at the Chinnaswamy. But for someone of Gayle's stature, who has achieved so much in his 19 years of international cricket, the Orange Cap matters little.
"I am accustomed to it. To be honest, I am not worried about the Orange Cap. I think (Lokesh) Rahul deserves it, for he has been batting really well," the Jamaican said during the post-match presentation.
At the moment, all that matters to Gayle is keeping the momentum going. "I have been striking well and when you are in the zone, you try to keep the momentum going," he said.
The good thing for both Gayle and KXIP is that he is enjoying his time out in the middle. "As for my fitness, I have been doing a lot of stretches and I am enjoying it.
"It's really good to contribute to the team's cause. I really do hope to continue this form," he added.
For Rahul, who has formed a good combination at the top with Gayle, being in a good space is helping him deliver for his team.
"I don't want to stop whatever I am doing. I am in a good space and want to win games for my team.
"The approach is going to be aggressive and to take the bowlers down within my limitations and with whatever I am gifted with. It's working for me," Rahul said.
Also, keeping things simple helps, Rahul emphasised. "The simpler you keep it, the clearer you will be as a batsman.
"I don't want to complicate my batting. It's just about seeing the ball and hitting it.
"I bank a lot on cricketing shots. My feet are moving and I am hitting the ball well. I got to make sure that I should make it big and stay there till the end."
Elaborating on opening with Gayle, Rahul added: "Chris and I want to back our games. If Chris gets going, it doesn't mean I slow down or take a back seat."
KKR
C. Lynn c Rahul b Tye 74
S. Narine c Nair b Mujeeb 1
R. Uthappa c Nair b Ashwin 34
N. Rana run out 3
D. Karthik c Tye b Barinder 43
A. Russell c Nair b Barinder 10
S. Gill not out 14
T. Curran c Rajpoot b Tye 1
P. Chawla not out 2
Extras (lb-1, w-7, nb-1) 9
Total (for seven wickets, 20 overs) 191
Fall of wickets: 1/6, 2/78, 3/85, 4/147, 5/159, 6/185, 7/186
Bowling: Rajpoot 3-0-32-0; Mujeeb 4-0-32-1; Barinder 4-0-50-2; Tye 4-0-30-2; Ashwin 4-0-33-1; Yuvraj 1-0-13-0.
Kings XI Punjab
L. Rahul c Curran b Narine 60
C. Gayle not out 62
M. Agarwal not out 2
Extras (w-2) 2
Total (for one wickets, 11.1 overs) 126
Fall of wicket: 1/116
Bowling: Mavi 3-0-29-0; Russell 1.5-0-31-0; Rana 0.1-0-0-0; Narine 3-0-23-1; Chawla 2-0-24-0; Kuldeep 1-0-13-0; Curran 0.1-0-6-0.
KXIP won via DLS method
MoM: L. Rahul
