Former West Indies and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter Chris Gayle has revealed that his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise have not been able to win the trophy till now because the team give all their attention to only three players — AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle himself.
Gayle made this revelation during a conversation on Jio Cinema and said that because of all this attention, it was difficult for other players to find a sense of belonging.
The star batter played an integral role for RCB from 2011 to 2017, scoring 3163 runs — including 5 centuries — in 85 matches. The left-handed opener was brought as a replacement player in 2011 and went on to become a legend for the franchise. He was part of the 2016 team that reached the final and lost to the David Warner-led Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Despite having some big names in the team, RCB have reached not won the trophy despite reaching the final of the Indian Premier League thrice.
"Sometimes, being one of the main players, being the main man of the franchise, I am always in my own zone, pretty much. What I understand when it comes to the RCB point of view, a lot of players felt left out. A lot of players did not feel like they were a part of the franchise. It was like it's only 3 players getting all the attention - myself, Virat and AB. A lot of players pretty much, mentally, they were nowhere within the team. So that's always going to be a challenge to win a title," Gayle told Jio Cinema.
Although he made this claim about his former team, Gayle spoke highly about his time with RCB after the club decided to retire the jerseys worn by Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers as a mark of respect to their biggest matchwinners on Saturday, March 18.
'Jersey numbers 17 and 333 will be retired forever as a tribute to @ABdeVilliers17 and @henrygayle, when we induct the legends of RCB into the Hall of Fame," RCB said in a tweet.
Virat Kohli gave up the captaincy of the team in 2022, with Faf du Plessis taking over the reins. However, Kohli continues to remain one of the main batters of the side and their biggest crowd-puller.
RCB will open their IPL 2023 campaign against Mumbai Indians at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, April 2.
READ ALSO:
Chennai Super Kings name South Africa pacer as injured Kyle Jamieson's replacement for IPL 2023
