IPL 2021: Chris Gayle leaves bio-bubble to refresh and recharge himself ahead of T20 World Cup

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been dealt with a huge blow ahead of their next game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Chris Gayle has decided to leave the bio-bubble and won’t be available for the rest of the tournament. The reason for the same is bubble fatigue and he wants to get refreshed ahead of the T20 World Cup which could be the swansong of his international career as well.

The Universe Boss wasn’t having a great IPL 2021 season and didn’t get off to a great start to the UAE leg as well. Gayle scored 14 and 1 in his two appearances for the Kings since the tournament resumed. However, the strict bubble due to COVID-19 has got to him it seems as the man was in the bubble during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as well and flew from West Indies to the UAE in a bubble to bubble transfer.

Chris Gayle is willing to get some break from the bubble to get refreshed mentally ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. “Over the last few months, I have been a part of the CWI bubble, CPL bubble followed by the IPL bubble, and I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself,” he said according to Cricbuzz. Chris Gayle scored only 193 runs in 10 innings this season and his strike-rate of 125.32 was also not up to his standards.

Who will replace him in the XI?

Punjab Kings are now left to ponder upon Chris Gayle’s replacement in the playing XI. There is no news yet if they will announce any replacement as only three league games with their playoff qualification not certain yet. Their batting options become significantly thin now as they might have to play either Fabian Allen or Chris Jordan in the playing XI with the rest of batters moving up the order.

There is another option to retain Mandeep Singh in case Mayank Agarwal is fit and play with three overseas players. However, moving up the order might benefit Aiden Markram who is currently doing well at four but will get more chances at three as he is naturally an opener.