Improvement in standard of Indian cricket due to IPL: Chris Gayle

West Indies star batsman Chris Gayle has credited the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Indian team’s rise as a force in world cricket in recent years and believes that the standard of Indian cricket, in general, has improved substantially. Gayle, himself, has been one of the most influential players in the IPL, having scored 3199 runs from 82 matches at an average of 46.36 and strike-rate of 153.42.

Talking about the benefits of the IPL, the Jamaican said: "Look at Indian cricket at the moment. They are dominating all forms of the game now and the reason is the IPL.

"The players touch shoulders with their international opponents. They share the same dressing rooms. They know what they are thinking. Then they become bolder performing for their countries. That is because of IPL and it is fantastic," Gayle said.

Currently playing for Somerset at the Natwest T20 Blast, Gayle added that English players should be allowed to play in the IPL as the experience would benefit them in the long run. "England has some quality players -- Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Eoin Morgan, Joe Root -- those guys can hurt you. They are match winners," he added.

Gayle also provided full backing to good friend Kevin Pietersen, saying that the 34-year-old remains a world class player and should be playing for England.

“KP should be playing for England, there are no two ways about it. They (the ECB) must have their reasons, but we would love to see your best player in action, out in the middle, entertaining. It doesn't matter what format - Test, 50-over, Twenty20 - he's a class player. One of the best players England has ever produced. But it's your loss. KP is looking forward to the CPL. England doesn't want him? We will take him. He will entertain the fans,” Gayle concluded.