Interview: "Pollard and Starc should have fought it out in the middle" - Chris Gayle talks about IPL, Manchester United and FIFA World Cup

“Starc and Pollard should have formed a ring to punch like ice hockey,” jokes Chris Gayle

It’s not every day that you get to meet the mighty Chris Gayle, but at adidas’ FIFA flag bearers event in Mumbai, I had the chance to meet the West Indian star.

I reached the venue at around 8 in the morning. A bunch of kids were waiting with anxiety and anticipation written all over their faces. There was a sense of excitement in the air. People who were jogging in the park stopped by and gave puzzled looks at the adidas boards.

I went into a room where the scene was set for the press conference. Some media representatives were adjusting their equipment around the table. I overheard a few people talking about the Pollard and Starc incident the night before.

A few minutes later, Chris Gayle walked in along with a few security men. He was wearing a yellow Adidas shirt, blue shorts and a cap, and stood in a corner as a flutter of cameras clicked away. After a few questions, they agreed to keep exclusive interviews for all.

Here are the highlights of the interview:

Chris, you are a Manchester United fan, and this has not been a very good season for the club. How do you see things from here on?

It’s something you are not accustomed to. It’s maybe [taken them] 17-18 years to be in such a position. They have spoiled their fans by winning so many titles so most of them take it in a wrong way. I look at it as just one bad year. So hopefully they can get back and give the fans what they are accustomed to.

The big question that has been doing rounds – Did David Moyes deserve more time?

Yes, he deserved more time on the beach!

Who do you think will be a perfect replacement for Nemanja Vidic?

I think Chris Gayle, to be honest with you. (laughs)

Do you think anyone can replace Sir Alex Ferguson in future?

Sir Alex! No one can fill that spot, to be honest with you. That is a huge a boot to fill. Whosoever will come on board might have it easy because they are coming into a situation the team is in a bad patch which they never have been in. So the manager if wins a few games, then people will think that he is the right man.

Chris Gayle at adidas FIFA flag bearers event in Mumbai

Some comments on last night’s incident between Pollard and Starc?

Yes, the umpire must walk in with bats and gloves. They must form a ring to punch out just like ice hockey. Then they can get back to the game!

RCB has a lot of batting power. And all – Virat, Parthiv, de Villiers and you – have had good knocks. Do you see a lack of team effort in the batting or some reason why all are not clicking together?

In this format, you don’t need all to score big, you need only one player out of the six batsmen to score that big score of 70-80 and others can chip in.

RCB lost a lot of away matches last season. And this season you guys lost the first away match in the Indian leg. Is this a concern in the dressing room?

Well, I didn’t notice (laughs). You brought it to my attention. It’s not a concern in the dressing room. Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win.

Which team will you be rooting for in the World Cup?

Brazil is my favourite team. Definitely, Brazil.

Would you be taking some time off to watch the world cup in Brazil?

Yes, I’ll be watching it on TV!

Your thoughts on Manchester United’s 0-1 loss against Sunderland?

I didn’t watch the game. Maybe they would have won if I watched!

Minutes later, he signed autographs for the kids there and walked away. Not only on the field, Chris Gayle is a cool and composed character off the field too.