The Pandemic-affected recent past has been tough for the professional sportspersons as the bio-bubble has got to their nerves at some point or the other. Numerous Cricketers were seen pulling out of the Franchise and International cricket owing to the ‘Bubble fatigue’ in the past year. Another addition to the list came on Thursday when the Punjab Kings released a statement regarding Chris Gayle.
Chris Gayle Pulls Out of IPL 2021
The veteran Windies Batsman Chris Gayle has pulled out of the IPL 2021 in order to refresh himself from the bubble fatigue. His IPL Franchise, Punjab Kings, announced on Thursday that he will not be available for the remainder of the season. The explosive opener expressed his desire to focus on the upcoming T20 World Cup and help the Windies win it.
“I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself. I want to refocus on helping the West Indies in the T20 World Cup and would like to take a break in Dubai. My thanks to the Punjab Kings for giving me the time off,” Gayle said.
Gayle, who had been a part of the CWI and the CPL bubble had to join the IPL bubble in the UAE as soon as the CPL concluded. It is understandable that living in three bio-bubbles, one after the other would be mentally tiring. The Punjab Kings management has hence expressed their respect towards Gayle’s decision. Satish Menon, the PBKS CEO, said, “Chris is a legend who has changed the game of T20 cricket, and we stand by his decision. He is a part of the Punjab Kings family, and his presence will be missed.”
Gayle managed to score just 193 runs in 10 matches this season at an average of 21.44. Though Chris Gayle didn’t have a great season, his services will surely be missed by the PBKS side. The explosive opener is a seasoned campaigner and brings in experience to any side he plays with.
Gayle wants to focus on the upcoming T20 World Cup
With the IPL followed by the T20 World Cup, Gayle wants to focus on his preparations for the World Cup. The two time ICC World Twenty20 winner, Gayle, wants to help the Windies to win their third title. The PBKS Head Coach said on this that the team respects his call. “I’ve played against Chris and have coached him at Punjab Kings. All through the years, I’ve known him, he has always been an absolute professional. And we as a team respect his decision and desire to prepare himself for the T20 World Cup,” Kumble said.