IPL 2020: Here's why KXIP's Chris Gayle didn't play against SRH

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Sunrisers Hyderabad locked horns in the 22nd match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday. After losing four matches out of five, the KL Rahul-led side were in need of a desperate victory. In an attempt to find a perfect XI, KXIP once again made three changes to their line-up and many felt that Chris Gayle will be finally playing this season.

But much to everyone’s surprise, the Universe Boss wasn’t a part of the XI. KXIP included Prabhsimran Singh, Arshdeep Singh and Mujeeb Ur Rahman for Sarfaraz Khan, Harpreet Brar and Chris Jordan respectively. Many were left baffled not to see Gayle playing in the game.

However, the head coach Anil Kumble revealed, while speaking to the commentators during the match, that Chris Gayle was set to make his first appearance of the season but fell sick ahead of the match. Apparently, the Caribbean legend suffered from food infection and ended up not featuring in the XI. “We wanted Chris Gayle in the playing XI, but unfortunately he’s sick,” Kumble said.

Meanwhile, there is no update on when will Chris Gayle be back on the field. KXIP will be hoping for his recovery as soon as possible even as they play against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday afternoon in Abu Dhabi.

"We wanted Chris Gayle in the playing XI, but unfortunately he's sick" – @anilkumble1074 😔#SaddaPunjab #IPL2020 #KXIP #SRHvKXIP

— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) October 8, 2020

SRH opt to bat first after winning the toss

Meanwhile, SRH skipper David Warner won the toss and opted to bat first. Even the Orange Army team isn’t having a great time with only two wins in five matches. Moreover, their ace pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been ruled out leaving the bowling attack very much inexperienced. For the same reason, they included Khaleel Ahmed in the XI in place of Siddarth Kaul.

Earlier, even Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of the tournament in the very first game after injuring his ankle while bowling his opening over. Jason Holder has replaced him in the squad and is also available for selection now while SRH signed Prithvi Raj Yarra as Bhuvi’s replacement who is already with the team in UAE.