KXIP vs RR

Chris Gayle, 41, is taking the 13th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by storm despite not playing in the initial few matches for the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) when the team suffered a lot. But KXIP have gone onto a five-match winning streak — and it has coincided with Chris Gayle’s introduction into the team.

On 30th October against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Chris Gayle was again in top form as he took his team to a score of 185 against Royals. He was in magnificent form as he smashed eight sixes and sixes boundaries in his innings of 99.

Chris Gayle: Getting Out On 99 Is Unfortunate

But Chris Gayle definitely wasn’t happy that he got out at that score missing on his record 7th IPL ton. Chris Gayle was facing Jofra Archer in the final over of the innings while batting at 99. But he was castled by a fiery yorker from the young England pacer in the 4th ball and had to head back to the pavilion after missing out on a deserving century by a run.

Commenting on getting out on 99, Gayle said that it was unfortunate but these things happen. “Getting out on 99 is unfortunate, these things will happen but it was a good ball, still feeling good. To be honest, it’s all about the mental aspect of my game and that’s what keeps me going. I’m enjoying the cricket the same way. I’d love to have the IPL trophy under my belt, but still a long way to go.”

“It’s an important game for us. Want to win this. I’ve been having fun out there batting with youngsters and it’s a good thing. I don’t know the record (about the 1000 sixes), I’m still hitting it well. The hard work and dedication over the years have paid off. To the guys who I promised to get a century, I missed out today but in my mind, it’s a century,” he smiled.

Chris Gayle came in at the fall of Mandeep Singh’s wicket in the opening over after the opener was dismissed without scoring, but added 120 runs for the second wicket with skipper KL Rahul as the duo took the bowling of Rajasthan Royals apart. But KL Rahul was dismissed against the run of play for 46 and despite Nicholas Pooran playing a cameo of 22 off 10 balls, it was not enough for KXIP to cross the 200-run mark.

Chris Gayle Thought 185 Is A Good Total, But It Didn’t Prove Enough

For Rajasthan, pacer Jofra Archer once again stole the show with the ball as he finished with figures of 2/26 from his four overs. All-rounder Ben Stokes who had earlier taken a brilliant catch also picked two wickets from his four overs and contributed with 50 to bag the Man of the Match award.

Rajasthan bowlers especially pacers Varun Aaron and Kartik Tyagi and spinner Shreyas Gopal were too expensive.

Chris Gayle though was the star of the first half and said that he felt 185 is a good score.

“It was a good knock, I thought 180 is a good total and it’s a good wicket. It will get better in the second innings,” he told the host broadcasters during the mid innings break.

Opener Ben Stokes 50 and Sanju Samson‘s 48 ensured Rajasthan winning by 7 wickets to stay alive in the playoff race. KXIP are placed 4th while Rajasthan are placed 5th both having 12 points. The win by Rajasthan ensured that KXIP could not extend their five-match winning streak. Apart from spinner Ravi Bishnoi who conceded 27 runs in 4 overs, the other bowlers were taken to the cleaners as they conceded more than 10 runs per over.