08 May,2014 01:07 AM IST | | Sundari Iyer
As tempers flared between Pollard and Starc, West Indies' players had an intense moment too
Kieron Pollard and Chris Gayle during the 2013 Caribbean Premier League
Royal Challengers Bangalore opener Chris Gayle did his bit by trying to calm down Kieron Pollard when the Mumbai Indians star clashed with Mitchell Starc at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday night.
"I told Kieron that I will punch him in the head," Gayle told mid-day on the sidelines of the Adidas FIFA flagbearers program at Priyadarshini Park yesterday. "It was just one of those moments that happen during an intense game," added the 34-year-old.
Also Read: 'Pollard-Starc episode isn't cricket,' says Bishen Singh Bedi
Though RCB have lost four of its seven matches, Gayle is optimistic about the team's chances in the remainder of IPL-7. "We are down but not out.
Kieron Pollard and Chris Gayle during the 2013 Caribbean Premier League
Seven games, lost four and won three. We just need to gain momentum by getting some back-to-back wins and that can change the entire face of RCB.
Also Read: IPL 7: Pollard-Starc involved in ugly on-field spat
Then we can look to push for the final four and then go from strength to strength," he explained. Gayle, however, admitted that he has not been at his best due to a hamstring injury but hopes to recover soon.
Not threatened
When asked whether he felt AB de Villiers is stealing the thunder that is reserved for the swashbuckling left-hander, Gayle replied with a smile: "I do not feel threatened by AB's performances.
In pictures: When things heated up during the IPL
"In fact I really admire him, as he is one of the best players of fast bowling in the world. When he is on song, it's a treat to watch him. It's a pleasure to be playing alongside him. What a player!"
