New Delhi: West Indies legend Chris Gayle, fondly known as the “Universe Boss,” has made a startling revelation about his exit from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking on a recent podcast hosted by Shubhankar Mishra, Gayle disclosed that he left Punjab Kings midway through the 2021 season after feeling “disrespected” by the franchise, admitting that the experience pushed him towards depression.

Gayle’s legacy in IPL

Gayle’s impact on the IPL is unparalleled. Having featured in 142 matches between 2009 and 2021, he scored 4,965 runs, representing Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings. His explosive batting earned him the record for the most sixes in IPL history (357), a feat yet to be matched.

Despite his dominance, his departure in 2021 was abrupt. He last appeared against Mumbai Indians before leaving the tournament, a decision that puzzled fans and analysts at the time.

The breaking point in 2021

Years later, Gayle has now shed light on the reasons behind his exit. “To be honest, I was disrespected at Kings XI Punjab. I felt I wasn’t treated properly as a senior player who had done so much for the league and brought value to the franchise. Instead, they treated me like a kid. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was slipping into depression,” Gayle said.

The West Indies star recalled breaking down while confiding in then-coach Anil Kumble, highlighting the mental toll of playing in bio-secure bubbles during the pandemic. “Your mental health is more important than money. I called Anil and told him I was leaving. At the time, we had the World Cup and were stuck in a bubble, which was destroying me mentally. After my last game against Mumbai, I thought, ‘This doesn’t make sense. I’ll do myself more damage by staying.’”

Emotional conversation with Kumble and Rahul

Gayle revealed that he was left deeply hurt by the way the franchise handled him. “I broke down talking to Anil because I was really hurt. I was disappointed with him and the way the franchise was run. KL Rahul, the captain, even called me saying, ‘Chris, stay, you’ll play the next game.’ But I just said, ‘I wish you all the best,’ packed my bag, and walked out.”

The revelation underscores the growing emphasis on mental health in modern sport, particularly in high-pressure tournaments like the IPL.

More than money

For Gayle, his decision was about prioritising well-being over financial rewards. “Money meant nothing compared to my mental peace at that stage. I couldn’t continue when I felt so low,” he admitted, explaining that prolonged bio-bubble life and the feeling of being sidelined triggered his decision.

Open for a comeback—with grudges

When asked about a potential IPL return, the two-time T20 World Cup winner did not rule out the possibility but admitted to harbouring bitterness about his past treatment. “I was mistreated. I am available—if they want me, I’ll come. But yes, I do have grudges. Loyalty means a lot to me,” he said.

Broader discussion on mental health in cricket

Gayle’s comments have reignited debates on how franchises manage senior players and the importance of safeguarding mental health in cricket. Experts point out that high-profile stars are not immune to struggles and that respect and clear communication are as crucial as performance on the field.

Fans across social media have expressed both sympathy and surprise at Gayle’s admission, with many recalling his contributions as one of the IPL’s most entertaining and influential players.

Conclusion

Chris Gayle’s revelation about his emotional turmoil and abrupt exit from the IPL offers a rare glimpse into the personal challenges faced by elite athletes. While his cricketing records remain legendary, his story is also a reminder that behind the glamour of T20 leagues, respect, loyalty, and mental well-being play a decisive role in a player’s journey.