A 100-run stand between Chris Gayle and Mandeep Singh sealed Kings XI Punjab’s fifth successive win in this season as they beat KKR by eight wickets in Sharjah. In the process, they replaced KKR at the fourth position in the points table. Mandeep Singh overcame his personal loss to play a match-winning innings for his team, while Gayle proved everyone that he can still play despite being 40. Overall it was a perfect game for KXIP as they look a team with momentum heading into the IPL 2020 playoffs.
Meanwhile, after the game, Mandeep hailed the Universe Boss as the ‘Greatest T20 Player Ever’. Gayle has scored the most T20 runs and has got the most T20 centuries as well. His stats are enough to prove his legacy in this format of the game.
Chris Gayle Is Greatest T20 Player Ever-Mandeep Singh
“He (Gayle) should never retire. He is always in great touch. I have never seen him struggle. He is probably the greatest T20 player ever,” Singh said in the post-match press conference.
Mandeep also spoke about his innings against Kolkata Knight Ridders. He scored an unbeaten 66 of 56 balls with eight fours and two sixes.
“It is just the self-belief that we have shown in the last few games that no matter what we have to keep that Punjabi fight in every game. I am very happy that games are going in our way.”
Chris Gayle also spoke about his role in the game. “Today the coach asked the senior players, we need to step up in crucial games, I am glad we were able to put my hand up. And the youngsters in the team are telling me, don’t retire,” he told Star Sports after the post-match presentation.
Both Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders are set to play the same sides in their two remaining games – Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings.