IPL 2017: With key players injured, Chris Gayle opens up about RCB's chances

With the T20 phenomenon taking over the world of cricket, It is hard to imagine a tournament without Chris Gayle setting the stage on fire. The swashbuckling Jamaican has entertained the world with his charismatic performances and has made millions of fans throng to stadiums around the world to watch him bat.

With Gayle back in Bangalore ahead of the IPL 2017, he took some time off the field supporting Diageo – United Spirit’s interactive tool DrinkIQ.

DRINKiQ.com was first introduced in 2008 when Diageo led the industry in launching a responsible drinking website. In early 2016, the tool was upgraded to provide comprehensive nutritional and alcohol information about its brands. The DRINKiQ initiative is part of Diageo’s commitment to give consumers greater transparency and help them to make more informed choices about alcohol as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Extra Cover: I can take on any bowler now, says Chris Gayle

Spending the evening in Church Street Social in Bangalore, he was unlocking knowledge about responsible alcohol consumption and busting myths about various spirits, shared recipes for cocktails, and helped the audience understand the right alcohol servings especially during a party.

Lending his support for this initiative, Chris Gayle said, “It is very important to create awareness about drinking responsibly especially among the youth. They are the flag bearers of creating a better society and promoting road safety in India. Through the Diageo – United Spirits DRINKiQ initiative, I want to encourage people to celebrate responsibly wherever they are and to Never Drink and Drive.

We would love to lift the title this year, says Gayle

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have been dealt a big blow in their chances to win their first ever IPL. It began with the news about Kohli missing the first few matches due to the injury he picked up in the series against Australia. Shortly after that, it was learnt that KL Rahul would miss the entire tournament due to a shoulder injury he picked up in the same Test series.

Just when things couldn’t get any worse, newly appointed captain AB De Villiers injured his back and was forced to sit out of the Momentum Cup final in South Africa.

With injuries to three vital players, Gayle will have a lot of responsibility on his shoulder ahead of the tournament.

With RCB’s campaign set to begin on April 5^th with last year’s champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad, Sportskeeda caught up with the swashbuckling Jamaican.

Here are the excerpts from the interview

Do you think that IPL is the toughest league, and how has your preparation been?

IPL is the toughest league and also the biggest league in the world with the best players in the world up against each other which is fantastic.

Preparation has been going good personally for me I just played in the Pakistan Super League. I have played a lot of cricket, so I know what’s required and when it’s required so that’s the most important thing in my point of view.

Also, the most important thing for us is to be mentally prepared and win the IPL this year as well.

With Kohli injured and most likely to miss the first few matches, would you take up the captaincy?

I don’t know what the situation with Kohli is actually, I got here only two days ago. I heard that he missed the last Test because of a shoulder injury. I know it is unfortunate we’ll have to wait for the team news and take a combined responsibility.

RCB came so close to lifting the title last year. What changes will you make this year in order to lift the title?

We’d love to lift the title this year. Credit must go to the team the way we went about it last year. Even though we didn’t cross the line at the same time to actually reach the final was huge. This year we are up against the champions first so it will be a good way to start it.

Which bowler are you looking forward to hitting out of the park?

Every one of them, all of them. I don’t have a grudge against anyone.

Your favourite Indian venue?

Chinnaswamy, it goes without saying.

Your favourite Indian dish?

I stick to the simple ones. Butter Chicken and other chicken items. I like to keep it simple.

Do you see yourself playing Test cricket again?

I’ll take a call on that next year. Right now I’m enjoying T20 cricket.