Gayle: The Universe Boss is still here and alive
Chris Gayle declared "the universe boss is still here and still alive" after becoming the first player to score 10,000 Twenty20 runs on Tuesday.
The powerful West Indies opening batsman reached the landmark during a brutal innings of 77 from only 38 balls in Royal Challengers Bangalore's Indian Premier League victory over Gujarat Lions.
Gayle was dropped for RCB's defeat to Rising Pune Supergiant after failing to make a half-century in three IPL knocks, but responded in style in Rajkot.
And the 37-year-old hit back at his critics following his latest onslaught.
When you're in a league of your own #UniverseBoss #CG10000 #RCBSketchstar #PlayBold @SatishAcharya pic.twitter.com/pPHmbdBfAP
— Royal Challengers (@RCBTweets) April 19, 2017
"Samuel Badree reminded me before the game [about being on the verge of 10,000 T20 runs] and said 'Chris only three more runs to go, make sure you get it' so it was actually playing on my mind a bit." said Gayle.
"Once I crossed the line, I said: 'listen it's time to have a go and then it eventually paid off, so I am really happy to get the runs.
"People are still looking out for Chris Gayle. The Universe Boss is still here and still alive. It was great fun. You know it's good to be back. I wanted this so badly, but first of all to get 10,000 runs, it was actually on my mind, so I'm glad to get that sort of achievement.
"It's a privilege to actually be the first person to get there. Hopefully I can continue entertaining the fans.
"I just want to thank the fans and all the franchises where I have actually played around the world. Even playing for West Indies as well. At the end of the day, they have actually played a part in this 10,000 runs as well.
"So, I want to thank all the franchises. It has been fantastic and I still have a lot more to offer to the fans. Hopefully, I can keep entertaining and get a few more thousand runs under my belt."