IPL 2019: Chris Gayle Needs to Fulfill the Responsibilities of a Senior Player Feels Mike Hesson

Mar 24, 2019 at 3:29 PM

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IPL 2019: Chris Gayle Needs to Fulfill the Responsibilities of a Senior Player Feels Mike Hesson

Arguably the greatest ever batsman of the shortest format Chris Gayle is all set to begin his IPL 12 campaign with the Kings XI Punjab later today against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Gayle has been a sensational white-ball player and more so in the shortest format of the game. His ability to strike the ball at will and clear the ropes on a consistent basis makes him a threat even at the twilight of his career. He can literally stand and deliver which might be demoralizing for any bowler.

Last year Gayle smashed the No 1 T20I bowler in the world, Rashid Khan for 4 sixes in an over. He was bought by the Kings XI Punjab for his base price of Rs 2 crores at the last moment of the auction and he didn’t disappoint. He scored a magnificent century against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and followed it up with 3 half-centuries.

However, in the later part of the tournament, Gayle was woefully out of form which also affected Kings XI Punjab’s performance. From a position of finishing at the top 2, Kings XI Punjab was knocked out of the tournament after losing 5 of their last 6 games. Yet againChris Gayle will be a very important player for Punjab.

Chris Gayle Virender Sehwag IPL 2018
Chris Gayle.

The southpaw has been at the top of his game in recent times. During the recently concluded ODI series against England, Gayle smashed a couple of the fifties and a couple of centuries and took the English attack to the cleaners. Kings XI Punjab coach Mike Hesson believes that Chris Gayle should enjoy himself and want to make a contribution for the team as a senior player.

 “It is important for him to enjoy himself. He is in good form, has been hitting the ball well. The key thing is to fit into the group and make a contribution to the team as a senior player.

“The responsibilities of a senior player is not only to pick wickets or score runs, but also to help the youngsters in the team. Gayle is certainly pretty good in building relationships and helping the youngsters,” he said. 

Mike Hesson has been a successful coach for the New Zealand cricket team. However, this is his first experience of coaching a T20 franchise. He is eagerly looking forward to the challenge which awaits him and hope to change the fortunes of Kings XI Punjab.

 “I think having been involved in international cricket for the last six years, to work with a diverse group of players is exciting. They are coming from different cultures and to try and bring them together and challenge them to do better than before is interesting for me.

“Whenever you coach a team, there is a bit of pressure, but you cannot let that affect you as that means you haven’t prepared well. As a group we are looking to prepare well and pick teams that suit conditions. I think more than pressure, it is a responsibility that I enjoy,” Hesson said.

Kings XI Punjab begin their season with an away game against the Kolkata Knight Riders today afternoon. The match is slated to begin from 4 pm and is expected to be a humdinger. Both the teams have some class players and it should be a pleaser to the eyes. Kolkata had problems with the pitch earlier.

Mike Hesson, IPL 2019, Kings XI Punjab, Mohammed Shami, KL Rahul
Mike Hesson. Credits: Vivek Bendre

After yesterday’s rank turner it will be unfair for both the teams to play on such a bowling paradise especially in a T20 match. The contest between bat and ball is good but yesterday’s pitch on my perspective was undoubtedly substandard. Let’s hope for a good sporting pitch at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

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