FORMER Indian captain Anil Kumble has joined the voices of those expressing doubt that Royal Challengers Bangalore will attempt to retain Windies batting star Chris Gayle for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 38-year-old Gayle, who was signed by the franchise in 2011, was sent to the auction block after RCB opted to retain Indian captain Virat Kohli (17 crores), South African star AB de Villiers (11 crores) and Sarfaraz Khan (3 crores).
The franchise could still opt to retain the West Indian, who has set a base price of 2 crores ahead of the auction, with its Right to Match (RTM) clause, but based on the remaining budgetary allocation Kumble has pointed out that it is unlikely.
The former RCB captain also believes the player’s form in recent seasons held a clue as to the decision that was on the horizon.
“Possibly they [RCB] will be cautious. They have to build the entire team as well. If you looked at last year, Gayle did not play in a couple of matches for RCB. It was not because he was injured or something, he was not picked. That’s a giveaway on whether they will go after him at the auction,” Kumble said.
Following the retention of Kohli, De Villiers and Khan the team must form a complete side with the remaining 49 crores.
“However, he has shown he can win games single-handedly. I think there will be other franchises who will be looking for him.
But all of them will be a bit cautious. However, he is currently in good form. But I am not too sure if RCB will use the RTM for Gayle.”