Gayle revisits his IPL exit
Chris Gayle, one of the most iconic players in IPL history, has revealed new details about the turbulent final chapter of his career in the league. Despite holding records for the most sixes in IPL history and the tournament’s highest individual score, Gayle says his time with Punjab Kings left him disrespected and mentally drained.
The 44-year-old spoke candidly during a podcast appearance on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube show Unplugged, reflecting on how his IPL journey came to an abrupt and painful end.
“My IPL ended pretty much with Punjab. I was disrespected in the franchise, Punjab Kings, I felt like I wasn’t being treated properly for a senior guy who has done so much for the league, bring so much value to the franchise as well. And then you’ve been disrespected and treated like a kid,” Chris Gayle said.
“First time I felt depression mode”
Gayle, who joined Punjab Kings in 2018 and played until 2021, described how the situation affected him deeply off the field.
“I felt like the building was on my shoulder. That’s the first time in my life I felt like a depression mode. So, when people speak about depression? I get a little sense of that. Money at that stage? Nothing, you don’t need money, right. Your mental health is so important than money,” Gayle said, speaking about the toll his experience took on his mental health.
Breaking down with Anil Kumble
The West Indies legend recalled a difficult conversation with then-coach Anil Kumble, where he made the decision to leave.
“I called Anil (Kumble), had a one-on-one discussion and said I’m leaving. Because that at the same time as well, I had to work and we were in a bubble, so you couldn’t come out. So you were like it was just really puzzling and destroying mental health. I was being destroyed inside, and after the last game I played against Mumbai. I’m like, yo it doesn’t make sense. I’m going to do myself more damage rather than be at peace,” Gayle said.
He added that he broke down during the exchange, explaining how hurt he felt by the way the franchise was being run.
“So I called him and had a one-on-one talk to him, you know, actually breakdown as well, literally a breakdown when I was talking to him because I was really hurt. Oh yeah I cried and I was disappointed with Anil and how the entire thing was actually run, the franchise was actually run at that time and I said listen man thank you. KL Rahul was the captain, he called me and said, “Yo Chris, you know, you want to stay, you’ll play the next game.” And I said listen to me man I wish you guys all the very best. I just packed my bag and I walked out,” Gayle concluded.
“I was mistreated” — Gayle still holds grudges
Even now, Gayle admits he carries hard feelings over how he was treated at the franchise, while leaving the door slightly open for an IPL return.
“I was mistreated. I am available. If they want to come, I will come. Oh yes, I do (have grudges). Like I say, loyalty is a big thing for you,” Gayle said.
Legacy vs. ending
Gayle played 142 IPL matches, scoring 4,965 runs, including six centuries and a record 357 sixes. Despite his extraordinary impact, he says the way his career ended in Punjab was not the best way to end.
But no matter how it finished, the “Universe Boss” remains one of the most celebrated figures in IPL history.
