Becoming the first batsman to score two centuries in a season, Chris Gayle, with 284 runs from just four games, has taken this Indian Premier League (IPL) season by the scruff of the neck
Becoming the first batsman to score two centuries in a season, Chris Gayle, with 284 runs from just four games, has taken this Indian Premier League (IPL) season by the scruff of the neck. His 46-ball century on Friday evening featured a four or a six every 2.3 deliveries ufffd a statistic that sums up his blitzkrieg. Kochi Tuskers Kerala could face his wrath in a clash against Royal Challegers at Chinnaswamy Stadium today. 
RCB's Chris Gayle
Gayle brought up his century in 65 minutes against a helpless Kings XI Punjab attack. Even Adam Gilchrist couldn't hold back a smile when Gayle smashed Praveen Kumar over the long-on fence. It was a combined expression of helplessness and appreciation from the Aussie legend.
Gayle's blazing run coincides with his national team's mauling at the hands of Pakistan in the Caribbean. One would wonder if West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) must be ruing their continuing altercation with Gayle that could effectively end his international career.
Former English all-rounder Robin Jackman feels: "It's too bad for world cricket that such a player isn't playing when his country is doing battle, but it's great for the IPL," before expressing shock that a window hadn't been provided for the T20 extravaganza.
West Indies' World Cup winning captain Clive Lloyd, who is also the Chairman of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Cricket Committee said that the ICC was working out ways to avoid the birth of more freelance Twenty20 cricketers.
"Obviously, it's not in the best interest of the game to have cricketers reject contracts from their national bodies. We are hoping that this issue will be resolved sooner rather than later. It's difficult to go against players in the age of T20 riches. But, it's important that the best players walk into the park in country vs country cricket," he told SUNDAY MiD DAY from his residence in the United Kingdom.
Ironically, Gayle turned down a contract from the WICB just to participate in the IPL, and yet, wasn't picked at January's auction. He didn't sign the contract citing the clash of West Indies' home series against Pakistan
with the 50-day IPL extravaganza.
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