IPL 2020: One experienced player each franchise should retain

Chris Gayle (Kings XI Punjab)

Chris Gayle

After going shockingly unsold in the 2018 auction, Chris Gayle was eventually picked up by Kings XI Punjab for his base price of Rs. 2 crore. The franchise then retained him for the 2019 edition as well.

While many felt Gayle was past his prime, the Universe Boss gave enough glimpses to show that he still has it in him to terrorise bowlers in the shortest format.

In the 2018 edition he scored 368 runs in 11 games at a strike rate of 146.03, with one hundred and three fifties - the century coming against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Gayle was impressive in 2019 as well for the Kings, with 490 runs in 13 games at a strike rate of 153.60. That run included four fifties, and a highest score of 99 not out.

Before moving to Punjab, Gayle played many a memorable knock for Royal Challengers Bangalore. In his most recent ODI against India this August, he slammed 72 from 41 balls. There are enough reasons for Punjab to retain the Gayle force in their side.

Overall IPL record: 125 matches, 4484 runs