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Chris Gayle ( Image Credit: Twitter)
Former England batter Kevin Pietersen feels that Chris Gayle’s decision to pull out of the remainder of IPL 2021 might be prompted by the fact that he’s not feeling comfortable in the PBKS environment anymore. Gayle withdrew from the remaining PBKS matches citing bubble fatigue and the need to get a break before the T20 World Cup. Pietersen feels Gayle might have been upset by the fact that he didn’t get a game on his 42nd birthday.
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"He is not being treated right in his environment. He feels like they are using him and getting rid of him, using him and getting rid of him. Didn't play him on his birthday, cast him aside. If he is not happy, he is 42, let him do what he wants," Pietersen said on Star Sports on Friday.
On his decision to pull out of the remainder of the tournament, Gayle said, "I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself. I want to refocus on helping the West Indies in the T20 World Cup and would like to take a break in Dubai. My thanks to the Punjab Kings for giving me the time off."
Gayle has been in the bubble ever since cricket resumed in the pandemic. He played in the IPL 2020 before participating in the home series against Sri Lanka and Australia followed by an appearance in the CPL 2021.
Meanwhile, India legend Sunil Gavaskar feels that PBKS will miss the 'game changer' Gayle in their team. PBKS need to win all their remaining games to finish in the top 4.
"A game-changer like Chris Gayle, if he is not in the team, 100 percent it's a big loss. I think he is in and out of the team. I don't know what the calculations are.
"Clearly only 4 overseas players can play but sometimes when you see the player who has picked in his place, knowing what he has delivered in the past And sure, he is over 40 and he might not be able to do it at a consistent level that he used to do. But he is a game-changer. 3 overs of Gayle storm and the game is gone from the opposition," Gavaskar said.