Hard-hitting batsman Chris Gayle is enjoying his time with Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in the Indian Premier League 2018. The left-hander has been instrumental in KXIP’s success so far and in four matches for the franchise, Gayle has scored 252 runs, which includes unbeaten 104 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Last season, Gayle played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and managed to score only 200 runs in nine matches. Despite his poor performance, Gayle was told by RCB that he will be retained for the 2018 edition as well, the Windies cricketer revealed recently.

However, ahead of the IPL 2018 auction, RCB didn’t retain Gayle and surprisingly went for young Sarfaraz Khan along with apparent choices of AB de Villiers and skipper Virat Kohli. And at the auctions, RCB showed no interest to buy back one of their biggest stars. “It was disappointing from that end, because they had called me. They wanted me in the team and I was told that I will be retained. But they never called back after that. So that gave me the impression that they didn't want me and it's fine,” Gayle told The Times of India in an interview. MS Dhoni or Chris Gayle, Who's The Real Universe Boss?

“As I said, I can't fight with anyone. I think I had a wonderful CPL and BPL - where I scored two centuries for my side Rangpur Riders. The stats don't lie: 21 centuries, most number of sixes. If that doesn't put a stamp on brand Chris Gayle, I don't know what will,” he added.

However, Gayle is happy with the fact that he was picked by KXIP and considers it as a great opportunity to play for them. “I'll be honest in admitting that it was very surprising for me to not get picked by any team. I don't know what went behind closed doors but I also understand that these things happen. It's just the way it is. But it's fine. I've moved on from it. Like I said, it's a great opportunity to be playing for King XI Punjab and so far I've had a great time. Perhaps it was supposed to happen, you know. King Gayle; destined to be playing for Kings XI Punjab,” Gayle said.

Interestingly, Gayle has scored over 3000 runs for RCB during his seven-year stint with the franchise. However, a poor outing in the last IPL season brought an end to what was an outstanding association.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 01, 2018 03:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).