The legendary T20 batter and self-proclaimed 'Universe Boss' has blamed Punjab Kings (PBKS) for getting rid of former captain Mayank Agarwal after one bad season. Gayle revealed that he was left disappointed when Punjab did not retain him. The Caribbean batter also accused PBKS for too much chopping and changing for their inconsistency over the years.
"Mayank will definitely get picked. I would be very disappointed if he doesn't. Because he is such an explosive player,” Gayle told PTI.
"He has probably hurt within himself at not being retained by Punjab after what he sacrificed for the franchise and to be treated like that is disappointing but I hope teams still believe in him and give him good money. He is a fantastic team man as well."
Gayle also said that due to constant changes in the playing XI players don’t feel comfortable in the franchise.
"They chop and change man, it is ridiculous. You keep chopping and changing, they never have a set eleven whether you win a match. Sometimes they would go with the same team but so often players don't feel comfortable (with too many changes).
"When they do get a chance and IPL is already pressure, so (with that sort of approach) you end putting more excessive pressure and with that you won't see them flourishing within the game."
Gayle had his say on the player he feels will turn out to be the most expensive player of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 auction on December 23.
"I don't know why they are calling those names just give me the money man (laughs)," said Gayle in his typical fashion.
"I am going be pick Sam (out of all). He is young and IPL tends to look to the future and you have to look at availability. He has had a good run of late. Stokes played well in the World Cup final.
"It is a possibility there will be some record breaking deal tomorrow. Don't be surprised if someone goes over the 16 or 17 crore barrier."
Meanwhile, the 43-year-old is in no mood to hang his boots and intends to swing his bat in few tournaments in 2023.
“I am still active, fresh, good looking, I have the best body in the world. My playing future will always look bright till I am 50 (laughs). I am on a break but would look to play in a few tournaments next year.”
