Explained: Should PBKS Be Blamed Entirely For RCB Great Chris Gayle's Premature IPL Exit?

Chris Gayle represented PBKS from 2018 to 2021 [Source: @cricbuzz/X]

Legendary West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle took a jibe at Punjab Kings, accusing them of disrespecting him during his four-year stint with the franchise. Speaking to reputed media personality Shubhankar Mishra in his podcast, Gayle highlighted how he almost went into depression because of the Punjab management's mistreatment. 

Chris Gayle is undoubtedly one of the most high-profile names in the Indian Premier League's history. So, his remarks certainly tarnished the image of Punjab Kings, hinting at mismanagement at the administrative level while dealing with superstars of the game. In such a scenario, the question arises: Was Gayle hard done by Punjab Kings' bizarre decision-making? Let's analyse and find out. 

Punjab Kings Backed Chris Gayle At His Worst

(Gayle's abysmal IPL record in 2016, 2017 combined)

• Despite scripting many memorable wins alongside Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle was snubbed by RCB after failing in the 2016 and 2017 IPL seasons. Statistically, Gayle managed only 427 runs at a mediocre average of 22.47 in these two seasons, prompting the RCB management to release him to the auction pool. 
• Considering the dip in Gayle's form, none of the franchises showed interest in the talismanic southpaw in the 2018 auction. As a result, he initially went unsold before Punjab Kings secured his services at his base price of INR 2 Crores. 
• Gayle was 39 years old by the auction, and given that he was struggling with a prolonged lean patch, it's fair to say that Punjab Kings actually honoured him by signing him for the 2018 season. Amid his battles with injuries, Gayle did a decent job for the Kings, slamming 1339 runs at an average of 36.19 and a strike rate of 143.21.

Gayle's Fitness Issues And Poor Returns Halted His IPL Progress

(Gayle's stats in IPL 2021, his last season for PBKS)

• Although Chris Gayle had three decent seasons for Punjab Kings, his limited fielding abilities and persistent fitness woes kept him on the sidelines for several IPL games between the 2018 and 2021 seasons. 
• Additionally, he had another forgettable season in 2021, scoring only 193 runs at a poor average of 21.44 and a strike rate of 125.32. 
• He was almost 42 by the end of the 2021 season, and given that he had flopped in the tournament, the PBKS management's decision against investing a substantial amount in him for three more seasons was absolutely logical before the 2022 season.

Conclusion

What happened between Chris Gayle and the Punjab Kings' management behind the scenes is an entirely different debate altogether. However, it's undeniable that Gayle was past his prime when he played his final season, and he is to blame to an extent for the abrupt end to his IPL career. 

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