How Gayle has managed to become a heartthrob of fans in Bangalore
WEST INDIAN CRICKETER Chris Gayle has become the heartthrob of fans in the city of Bangalore. Ever since the Jamaican batsman started playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, fans across the city have accepted Gayle as their very own.
Season after season, match after match, fans in Bangalore have flocked to the stadium only to watch some larger than life, pyrotechnics from the devastating opener.
Last night, was one another example of how the fans in the garden city have completely been mesmerized by Gayle’s presence. In anticipation of high-octane Gayle fireworks, fanatics turned out in huge numbers at the Chinnaswamy Stadium for the Sri Lanka-West Indies. Unfortunately, the southpaw got pulled his hamstring during fielding and was declared unfit to bat.
Gayle’s injury created a tense atmosphere amongst the fans and the moment they saw Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles open the batting the entire Chinnaswamy erupted with chants of “WE WANT GAYLE”. Given the West Indian’s reputation and impact, such a vocal reaction was quite understandable from a rather disappointed crowd.
A few commentators also said that Gayle will only bat if required. And, the way the two Leeward openers started, the Bangalore crowd grew restless as the chants gathered more momentum.
However, like a true hero, Gayle was keen to answer his fans’ call and walk down the stairs in the 13th over. The moment Gayle was captured on camera with a proper batting gear, the happiness and excitement of the fans knew no bounds. That said, there was more drama in store.
Ian Gould, who was officiating as the fourth umpire, intervened and asked Gayle to wait for some more time as the cricketer was not seen for the most part of the first half. The English umpire was also seen signaling “two more minutes” to the Windies bench and dragged Gayle off the field in a friendly manner.
Later on, Gayle was once again denied the opportunity to bat after Nuwan Kulasekara put down a simple catch of Andre Russell.
Sadly for the Bangalore fans, Gayle could not make his appearance with the bat on the field, but like a genuine caretaker of his fans, the Jamaican giant with his signature gesture thanked all his fans and supporters. Looking back, his appreciation towards the fans alone was enough to draw a rapturous applause from the Bangalore natives.
Gayle too expressed his disappointment at not being able to entertain his fans with the willow. Furthermore, West Indies won’t play any more matches in Bangalore, but Gayle has promised his fans some serious entertainment during the ninth edition of the IPL.
Tried my best to face a ball for the awesome Bengaluru fans..but Ian was a strong man. Not today Gayle. Lol https://t.co/vSlYKBmgxu
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) March 20, 2016
Great team win tonight. The Bengaluru crowd/fans always amazing, sorry y'all didn't see me bat tonight but I will be back. #OneLove 👍🏿 #WT20
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) March 20, 2016
