Chris Gayle greets PM Modi with 'namaste,' thrilled by warm response and pat on the back
PTC News Desk: Chris Gayle has always shared a special bond with India, which has only deepened over the years, particularly due to his spectacular performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As one of cricket’s most destructive opening batters, the former West Indies star became a household name in the country, largely thanks to his explosive innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and his camaraderie with Indian cricket icons like Virat Kohli.
This connection with India was recently rekindled in a different setting when Gayle met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting occurred during Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ official visit to India, with Gayle being part of the delegation.
Sharing the special moment on Instagram, Gayle posted a video of his interaction with PM Modi, describing it as an "honor." The 45-year-old cricket legend, visibly thrilled, captioned the post, "Jamaica to India #OneLove." In the video, Gayle greeted PM Modi with a traditional 'Namaste,' which the Indian leader warmly reciprocated, followed by a friendly pat on Gayle's back.
Chris Gayle’s association with India is largely tied to his outstanding IPL career, particularly during his years with RCB from 2011 to 2017. Known for his record-shattering knocks, Gayle's 175* against Pune Warriors India in 2013 remains the highest individual score in IPL history. His aggressive batting style, combined with his charismatic personality, made him a fan favourite. The partnership he forged with Virat Kohli during his RCB days became one of the most celebrated in IPL history.
Beyond RCB, Gayle also played for Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings, accumulating 4,965 runs in the IPL, making him the eighth-highest run-scorer in the tournament's history. His incredible IPL achievements earned him a lasting legacy in Indian cricketing circles.
On the international stage, Gayle's contributions to West Indies cricket are equally remarkable. He played a pivotal role in the team’s T20 World Cup victories in 2012 and 2016, as well as in their Champions Trophy triumph in 2004.
Despite not officially retiring from international cricket, his last appearance for West Indies came in November 2021. Since then, Gayle has transitioned into a global ambassador for the sport, continuing to captivate fans worldwide with his larger-than-life persona.
Through moments like his meeting with PM Modi and his legacy on the field, Gayle's connection to India continues to flourish, transcending the boundaries of cricket.
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- With inputs from agencies
