Chris Gayle feels he would have been the best footballer in the world if he wasn’t a cricketer
Chris Gayle, the West Indian hotshot, has not been in his best form in 2016. In the recently concluded World T20, he had just one good game, against England, where he scored 100 runs and remained not out. Thanks to his innings, the then-to-be champions won the match.
The West Indian’s poor form has continued even with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 9th edition of the Indian Premier League. In the two matches that he has played for RCB this season, he scored 1 and 0.
He missed the next three matches as he flew out to the West Indies to celebrate the birth of his first child, and was dropped in the game against Hyderabad on April 30.
Recently, Gayle was answering reporters’ questions at a press conference on the eve of RCB’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders. The 36-year-old was asked what he would be if he was not a cricketer. No surprises in it, the huge Ronaldo fan that he is, he said he would be a footballer.
“Cristiano Ronaldo! I would be the best footballer in the world if I wasn’t a cricketer.”
Also read: Who will win the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2016, Match 30
Gayle also revealed to the reporters about playing in Bangalore, and the pressure that comes with it.
“Bangalore is like a second home to me. I do feel a lot of pressure, especially at the start of the game, because expectation is so high, and everybody expects you to go perform in each and every innings.
“I try to keep calm and more relaxed. Once you get a start, everything will eventually flow and get into place. But it is good to feel a little bit of pressure.”
The RCB opener was asked how he adapts to the different playing conditions, to which he said,
“To play international cricket we have to travel the world so much, so we make the necessary adjustments and adapt to them.”
Gayle is likely to be back into the team for tonight’s game in Bengaluru against his former franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders. RCB have not been able to cross the line even after the huge totals set up by some brilliant batting performances, however, the bowling has let them down. Also, Mitchell Starc’s absence has hurt them a big deal.
The RCB bowlers need to bowl exceptionally good spells to get back to winning ways. Let’s just hope Chris’ daughter brings him and the team some luck.