'Treated me like a kid': Chris Gayle reveals painful IPL exit from Punjab Kings; says he packed his bags and walked out

Chris Gayle revealed his disillusionment and depression during his time with Punjab Kings in the IPL, feeling disrespected despite his contributions to the league. He recounted a tearful conversation with Anil Kumble and his decision to leave the team midway through the 2021 season, prioritizing his mental health over money.

Chris Gayle (IANS Photo)

NEW DELHI: West Indies legend Chris Gayle, one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has opened up about the most difficult phase of his career, revealing that his stint with Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) left him disillusioned and pushed him towards depression.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Speaking on a podcast with Shubhankar Mishra, Gayle recalled how he felt “disrespected” during his time with the franchise between 2018 and 2021, despite being one of the biggest stars to ever play the tournament. “My IPL ended prematurely with Punjab. I was disrespected at Kings XI. I felt I wasn’t treated properly as a senior who had done so much for the league and brought value. They treated me like a kid. For the first time in my life, I felt like getting into depression,” Gayle revealed.

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During his tenure at Punjab, Gayle played 41 matches, scoring 1,304 runs at an average of 40.75 and a strike rate of 148.65, including one century and ten fifties. Yet the memories remain bitter. He recalled breaking down during a conversation with then-head coach Anil Kumble. “I actually broke down talking to Anil because I was really hurt. I cried and told him I was disappointed with him and with the way the franchise was run,” Gayle said. The “Universe Boss” also recounted how then-captain KL Rahul tried to convince him to stay. “KL Rahul even called me saying, ‘Chris, stay, you’ll play the next game.’ But I just said, ‘I wish you all the best,’ packed my bag, and walked out,” Gayle recalled. Gayle’s decision came during the 2021 season, played under strict bio-bubble restrictions. He admitted that the mental toll was too heavy. “At that stage, money meant nothing. Your mental health is more important. I felt like I was destroying myself inside, and I just had to walk away,” he said. Gayle ended his IPL career with 4,965 runs in 142 matches, including the highest individual score in the league’s history — 175*. While his exploits with Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru made him a T20 legend, his exit from Punjab Kings left him with scars. “That was the first time I ever felt depression. I was destroyed inside,” Gayle concluded, giving fans a rare glimpse into the emotional struggles behind his larger-than-life persona.

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