Breaking: Punjab’s Chris Gayle opts out of IPL 2021 – Here is the reason!

The dynamic West Indies batsman Chris Gayle currently plays for the ‘Punjab Kings’ in the Vivo IPL. Gayle is considered the best T20 hitter in the world as he contributed more than anyone to the games with the bat. Now, he has decided to withdraw from the IPL 2021 tournament.

Chris is one of the mainstay batsmen of PBKS. Gayle had played two games for the team since IPL’s resumption and now wants to refresh before the T20 WC beginning next month. He has decided to leave the bio-bubble environment due to bubble fatigue.

Punjab Kings on Thursday announced the news through an official statement that the star batsman expressed a desire to mentally refresh himself before getting back in action for the West Indies. The ‘Universe Boss’ stated that he has been in bio-bubble in the last couple of months for the Caribbean Premier League and the Indian Premier League.

Chris Gayle wants to refocus on helping his national team recharging himself mentally. He said in the statement, “Over the last few months, I have been a part of the CWI bubble, CPL bubble followed by the IPL bubble, and 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. My wishes and hopes are with the squad always. All the very best for the games coming up.”

PBKS’ head coach Anil Kumble said, “I’ve played against Chris and have coached him at Punjab Kings and 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.”

CEO Satish Menon added, “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. We extend all support to him and wish him success.” Punjab is at sixth place in the points table with eight points from eleven matches.

Gayle is likely to remain in Dubai before joining the West Indies squad for the T20 World Cup. The announcement of Gayle not taking part in the remainder of IPL 2021 comes on the eve of Punjab’s match against two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders in Dubai International Stadium.