Punjab Kings’ Chris Gayle has pulled out of the Indian Premier League 2021 to keep him refreshed for the upcoming T2o World Cup 2021. Having been in the bio-bubble over a long time now with the Caribbean Premier League and the IPL, the Universe Boss needed some time to relax before what could turn out to be his last T20 World Cup appearance. Prior to the Indian Premier League, Gayle played in the strenuous fixtures of the Caribbean Premier League, a tournament that housed close to 35 matches in just not even 20 days.
The 'Universe Boss' has been in a bio-bubble since late June, when the West Indies hosted multiple nations in a busy summer schedule ahead of the T20 World Cup. Starting against Sri Lanka, the Windies played against the likes of Australia, South Africa and Pakistan. Barring the rain-affected series against Pakistan, the Windies came up trumps in all of them.
"I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself. I want to refocus on helping the West Indies in the T20 World Cup and would like to take a break in Dubai. My thanks to the Punjab Kings for giving me the time off,” Gayle said.
Gayle has been in decent form of late and is expected to play a crucial role for the Kieron Pollard led team who will be looking to defend their crown in UAE next month.