'They treated me like a kid': This IPL legend opens up on his dark phase with Punjab Kings

West Indies legend Chris Gayle, one of the most iconic names in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has opened up about a dark phase during his stint with Punjab Kings (PBKS). Bought for Rs 2 crore at the 2018 auction, Gayle played four seasons for the franchise, but his association ended on a sour note, leaving him deeply hurt and disillusioned.

“Felt Like a Kid, Not a Senior Player”

Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, Gayle revealed that despite his stature and contributions to the league, he felt disrespected at PBKS. “They treated me like a kid. For the first time in my life, I felt like getting into depression,” he said. The star batter even broke down while speaking to then head coach Anil Kumble, expressing his disappointment with the way the team was managed.

Rahul’s Plea, But Gayle Walked Away

Gayle recalled how skipper KL Rahul urged him to stay on, assuring him of a spot in the next match. However, the hurt was too deep. “I just said, ‘I wish you all the best,’ packed my bag and walked out,” he recounted.

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From Glory to Exit

Despite averaging above 40 in three consecutive seasons for PBKS, Gayle struggled in IPL 2021, scoring just 193 runs from 10 innings. Midway through the season, he left, citing bio-bubble fatigue. Feeling mistreated, he chose not to register for the 2022 mega auction and never returned to the IPL.

A Glittering Legacy

Though his IPL journey ended abruptly, Gayle remains one of the league’s greatest entertainers. He finished with 4,965 runs in 141 innings, including six centuries and 31 fifties, leaving behind a legacy of power-hitting that transformed T20 cricket.