Chris Gayle debut: When had the Universe Boss made his IPL debut?

Chris Gayle debut: Into his 13th season, the Universe Boss continues to hit gigantic sixes in the Indian Premier League.

During the fourth match of the ongoing 14th season of the Indian Premier League between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings in Mumbai, veteran Punjab Kings batsman Chris Gayle boosted momentum into their innings after they lost opening batsman Mayank Agarwal (14) in the third over.

Having come in to bat at No. 3, Gayle hit Rajasthan Royals pacer Mustafizur Rahman for a boundary over his head in the fifth over to show first signs of aggression after playing five deliveries.

Having tasted blood with respect to scoring a boundary, Gayle ensured that he hit at least one in each over (until his dismissal) to dismantle the opposition’s bowling attack.

Playing his 13th IPL season, it is amazing how the 41-year old player continues to dominate the bowlers at will. In what is easier said than done, Gayle hitting boundaries with such ease speaks highly of his capability.

It was in his attempt of hitting another big shot of Royals’ Riyan Parag that Gayle got out after scoring 40 (28) with the help of four fours and two sixes.

Chris Gayle debut

It was almost 12 years ago that Gayle had played for the first time in the IPL. Opening the batting with the then Kolkata Knight Riders captain and current coach Brendon McCullum, Gayle had departed after scoring 10 (12) against Deccan Chargers in Cape Town. In the solitary over that Gayle bowled in that match, he had leaked 14 runs without conceding a boundary.

Chris Gayle T20 runs

Gayle, who had made his T20 debut in 2006, is the top run-scorer in the format scoring 13,760 runs at an average and strike rate of 38.11 and 146.58 respectively. In 409 T20 innings, the Universe Boss has registered 22 centuries and 86 half-centuries.