‘As Soon As I Don’t Perform, then I am the Burden for the Team’: Chris Gayle After Another T20 Stint

West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle has decided that he has had enough and said farewell to the ongoing Mzansi Super League in a rather unusual manner as the defending champions Jozi Stars remain winless after six games. He scored 101 runs in six innings, out of which 54 came on Sunday which was his 400th T20 game also.

“As soon as I don’t perform for two or three games, then Chris Gayle is the burden for the team,” Gayle said at the press conference after his side lost from a winning position against Tshwane Spartans.

“I am not talking for this team only. This is something I have analysed over the years playing franchise cricket. Chris Gayle is always a burden if I don’t score runs, two, three, four times. It seems like that one particular individual is the burden for the team. And then you will hear bickering. I am not going to get respect. People don’t remember what you have done for them. I don’t get respect,” Chris Gayle added.

However, his comments left everyone in shock. He further added that he felt disrespect from other franchises as well. Moreover, he said that he got the same from players as well.

“And I am not talking about this franchise. I am talking generally. Even from players as well, I am talking. Players, management, head of management, board members. Chris Gayle never get no respect. Once Chris Gayle fails, it’s the end of his career, he is no good, he is the worst player and all these other things. I’ve generally overcome these things and I expect these things and I have lived with these things,” added the explosive batsman.

Chris Gayle ended his MSL season in a bad note and he also added that the franchise needs to look at what didn’t go in their way.

“This is not a champion team. This is not how defending champions should play to defend the title. Most of the times it’s been a lot of uncertainty from guys and I don’t know if it’s an off the field problem, I don’t know what’s happening. I think individuals, the franchise itself, needs to look at themselves and dig deep with what is happening. Something is wrong. I don’t know what it is but we need to find out what’s wrong,” he expressed.

Although Gayle is yet to announce his retirement, he wanted a break and it was only the great atmosphere of the MSL that brought him back again.

“I had so much fun last year. I didn’t plan to come to play this year but because of the spirit last year, the dressing room environment was so fantastic, I just wanted to come and play. For me, I have played so many games that I know what I need to do to prepare for a tournament. The mental part is not an issue for me, it’s more the physical side of things. Once I get the physical side of things right, I can still carry on for however long I want to play this game,” Chris Gayle concluded.