Chris Gayle’s Surprise Visit
Following their memorable win over Chennai Super Kings, which secured their spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had a special guest in their dressing room: RCB legend Chris Gayle. Gayle attended the thrilling match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, witnessing his former franchise’s dramatic turnaround from six consecutive defeats to a top-four finish in the league stage.
Locker Room Reunion
Post-match, as the RCB players were cooling down, Gayle visited the locker room to congratulate them on their impressive recovery. Virat Kohli, Gayle’s former teammate and partner in many formidable innings, was particularly happy to see him. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and nostalgia as the players reminisced about old times and celebrated their recent success. In a light-hearted exchange captured and shared on RCB’s social media handles, Kohli suggested that Gayle consider a return to the IPL, taking advantage of the newly introduced Impact Player rule.
A Light-Hearted Exchange
“Kaka, come back next year. Impact player is on now. You don’t have to field anymore. It’s designed for you,” a beaming Kohli quipped. The Impact Player rule allows teams to substitute a player during the match, making it an appealing option for someone like Gayle, who is renowned for his explosive batting but not as much for his fielding.
Kohli’s Six-Hitting Prowess
Kohli, who has hit 37 sixes in IPL 2024—the most by any batter until Abhishek Sharma of Sunrisers Hyderabad surpassed him with 41 sixes—enthusiastically bragged about his achievement to Gayle. Known for his prowess in hitting sixes, Gayle has the record for the most sixes in IPL history, with 357 from 141 innings. This friendly banter highlighted the mutual respect and competitive spirit shared between the two cricketing giants.
“Maximum sixes this season!” Kohli told Gayle, his eyes gleaming with pride.
A surprised Gayle responded, “How much?”
“37!” answered Kohli, beaming with satisfaction.
Gayle’s IPL Legacy
During his illustrious IPL career, Gayle played for Kolkata Knight Riders, RCB, and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). He scored 4965 runs at an average of 39.72 and a strike rate of 148.96, including six centuries and 31 half-centuries. Gayle’s towering presence and explosive batting made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent on the field. His legacy in the IPL is not just about the runs and records but also the unforgettable moments and the charisma he brought to the game.
A Memorable Moment for RCB
The visit from Gayle was a significant morale booster for the RCB players, who were already riding high from their victory. It served as a reminder of the rich history and the iconic players who have been part of the RCB family. Gayle’s presence, his words of encouragement, and the joyful interactions with current players encapsulated the spirit of cricket—where past and present heroes unite to celebrate the sport they love.(Dubai7 realmoneygame)