IPL 2018: 5 overseas stars who might not feature in starting XI

#2 Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle is the leading run scorer in T20s

The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, was picked by Kings XI Punjab in the third round of auctions for his base price of INR 2 cr. The fact that Gayle had to wait until the very end of the auctions to find an IPL franchise is enough to suggest that he is not an automatic choice in the starting XI.

For Gayle to cause maximum damage, he has to open the innings. But the Kings have stocked their batting line-up with multiple Indian opening options like KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair. They even have the in-form Aaron Finch who has the experience of opening for his national team. Given all these circumstances, it would be difficult for the T20 superstar to find a place in the XI. He may have to wait for an injury to one of the first-choice openers to get an opportunity.

T20 stats

Matches 323, Runs 11068, Ave 40.69, SR 148.98, 100s 20, 50s 67