In the ongoing 16th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, a player from Barbados going by the name of Kyle Mayers has been impressing fans with his excellent performance. Despite staying almost 14,000 kilometres away from India, Mayers has made a place in the hearts of all the fans with his devastating batting. He recently scored fifty runs off just 20 balls against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their home ground in Mohali, leading many fans to call him the next Chris Gayle of IPL on social media.
A history of the 30-year-old star
Mayers started playing U-19 cricket for the West Indies in 2012 and entered the world of international cricket in 2021. In his debut Test match, he created history by scoring a double century and became just the sixth batter in the world to achieve this feat. After his explosive showing in domestic leagues across the world, LSG added him to their team at a base price of Rs 50 lakhs during the IPL 2022 auction.
Was kept out by Quinton de Kock, and now keeping him out
Mayers did not get a chance to play for LSG in the 2022 season of IPL. It was only at the beginning of IPL 2023, when South African wicketkeeper and opener Quinton de Kock was not available for the opening matches, that Mayers got his chance for the Lucknow-based Franchise. He impressed in his debut match with 2 fours and 7 sixes in 38 balls.
Even after the arrival of Quinton, Mayers has continued to open for LSG due to his strong performances. Fans on social media are now calling him the next Chris Gayle of IPL.
Since he joined the IPL, Mayers has hit 297 runs in 8 matches for LSG, with an average of 37.13 and a strong strike rate of 160.54. He has hit 20 sixes so far, and if his stormy batting continues, he could play an important role in taking Lucknow to the IPL title.
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