Mayank Agarwal has replaced Chris Gayle in the opening slot of the Kings XI Punjab in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) but this has not affected their relationship. Agarwal has revealed that the veteran Chris Gayle guides him a lot on how to give his best in the field.
Chris Gayle has opened the innings for KXIP in past seasons. But as he has not played a competitive match for over a year, Mayank Agarwal, who is regular in international cricket, has been given the opening role with KL Rahul.
Chris Gayle’s advise to Mayank Agarwal:
The Indian cricketer said that although Chris Gayle is not playing, he is playing a crucial role in mentoring him and other players. He stated that before every game the Universe Boss shares his advice with him.
“Gayle is an integral part of KXIP whether playing or mentoring. He has been speaking to all of us, contributing in the batters’ meeting and also sharing stuff which is crucial. I have had great conversations with Gayle. We first played together in RCB and just watching him play and chatting is fantastic,” he told ANI.
Chris Gayle has shown confidence in Mayank Agarwal’s skills which has boosted the latter. Not only Agarwal, but the Windies cricketer is also grooming other batsmen as well.
“Even here he told me don’t have to do anything extraordinary, just keep trusting your skills and execute them. He asks me to go out and enjoy the game. Before the last game, he said you are batting great and just look to get into good batting positions.
“If you are striking well, make sure you continue scoring runs. These are just a few of the many good things he keeps saying. He is just not helping me, but a lot of the batsmen,” he added.
As of now, Agarwal has 221 runs from three matches including a maiden IPL century. He is set to play the next match against Mumbai Indians on Thursday.