In an exciting development that is sure to delight Kings XI Punjab fans all over the world, their star opening batsman Chris Gayle is back on the training ground, having recovered from his stomach bug. Chris Gayle was spotted back on the training ground on Monday, October 12 and in all likelihood should now be fit for Kings XI Punjab’s game against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday, October 15.
The veteran West Indian batsman suffered a stomach infection that kept him out of the competition in the past week, and was also temporarily admitted to the hospital, but has now made a full recovery and is back to the cricket field. Gayle, who is yet to feature in the 2020 Dream11 Indian Premier League, was initially set to make his debut against Sunrisers Hyderabad, but couldn’t due to the stomach infection.
“Chris Gayle was going to play today’s match but he is sick. He is down with food poisoning that’s why he isn’t in the playing eleven,” Head Coach Anil Kumble had told commentators during the game against SRH.
The seasoned West Indian batsman also missed the subsequent game against Kolkata Knight Riders due to the same stomach infection, but has now recovered and deemed fit to attend training sessions with the rest of the team.
Gayle’s return to fitness will be a big boost for Kings XI Punjab if they are to make a late surge for the semi final spots, given his experience and track record. The southpaw was the second highest run scorer for the franchise last season, and got four fifties in the tournament. Alongside captain KL Rahul, Gayle has forged a formidable partnership at the top of the order for KXIP in the past two seasons, and that partnership could once again take to the field against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday.
“Chris looks very much ready and is keen to get on to the park, he has been training really well and has looked really good in the nets,” batting coach Wasim Jaffer had mentioned to Kings XI Punjab a while back prior to the stomach infection, in an exclusive interview.
How happy are you with the news of Chris Gayle’s recovery? Let us know in the comments below.
