Punjab Kings (PBKS) handed three debuts in their first game of the second half of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in form of South African batsman Aiden Markram, England leg-spinner Adil Rashid and Bengal pacer Ishan Porel.
The inclusion of Markram in the playing XI meant PBKS left out the 'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle, who was celebrating his 42nd birthday on Tuesday, September 21 and the decision didn't sit well with the commentators and fans alike.
Former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Kevin Pietersen, who were in commentary were 'astonished' not seeing Gayle in the line-up. Pietersen, in particular, couldn't believe that he was left out saying that if they wanted him to play in one game in the rest of the season, it was this.
"There will be some questions asked. I don’t understand why you would leave Chris Gayle out on his birthday. If there was one game you were going to play him, it was this one. If he failed then you say ‘ok, you can have a bit of rest’. So I can’t understand the thinking at all," Pietersen said on Star Sports.
Agreeing with Pietersen and amplifying his point, Gavaskar said, "I, like KP, am absolutely astonished that Chris Gayle is not playing today. The four overseas players that have been picked today, can play brilliantly and win the game for Punjab Kings today. But the fact remains that on your birthday, you are leaving one of the stellar players of T20 format. Not just in IPL – the CPL, the Big Bash. You name it, every single T20 league he has dominated. And you drop him for this game om on his birthday, it makes zero sense."
Not just them the fans too weren't happy with Gayle's exclusion. Here are some of the reactions:
