IPL 2021: Gautam Gambhir explains why Chris Gayle should open batting for PBKS in the UAE

The second phase of IPL 2021 is just around the corner and will get underway on September 19 in the UAE. The Indian T20 league is being seen as a great practice platform for players around the world to set their tone ahead of the T20 World Cup commencing on October 17. In the same turn of events, former Indian cricketer put forth his opinion on explosive batter Chris Gayle. Gayle is an integral member of the PBKS franchise and would be keen on giving them their maiden title.

Gambhir added that why would any team which has Gayle in their unit give him the third slot to bat. The former Indian opener is of the belief that calling Gayle as an opener can be the best thing as he can set a great tone. On the other hand, if he comes at no.3, he will have to run a lot of singles and do things here and there which Gayle would probably avoid.

It makes no sense for anyone to put Chris Gayle at number three: Gautam Gambhir

“He has to open the batting. If Chris Gayle is in your team, then why would you want him to bat at number three. It makes no sense for anyone to put Chris Gayle at number three. West Indies did that, Punjab Kings did that. I have no clue why someone would do that. If Chris is in your playing 11, he has to open the batting because he is not going to waste balls. Probably at number three, he will have to run for a lot of singles, as compared to opening the batting. He could probably get you off to a flyer,” said Gambhir on STAR SPORTS show GAME PLAN.

Gambhir added that West Indies did the same and now PBKS are doing it as their skipper KL Rahul opens alongside Mayank Agarwal. If he comes up to open the order, he would probably not waste many balls too. However, it remains to be seen that with what technique PBKS will move up in the UAE leg as they are currently sitting at 6^th position on the points table.