Chris Gayle, the self-proclaimed Universe Boss, is having an enjoyable time off the field as well. With an ever-growing fan base, he has struck the right chord by releasing his all-revealing autobiography recently, giving his followers an insight into his personal life.
His popularity in India has increased manifold after his exploits in the Indian Premier League, a tournament which Gayle himself concedes to be the biggest in the world.
Chris Gayle officially launched the ‘Six Machine’ in the country at an exclusive event held at a hotel in New Delhi. Present at the launch was Anurag Thakur, President of the BCCI, and Virender Sehwag, former Indian batting star. The event organised by Dunamis Sportainment and hosted by Mayanti Langer, where Gayle talked at length about the book, and his life.
Anurag Thakur started off by speaking about India-West Indies ties, and how cricket binds the two nations together.“We (India and West Indies) share the same history with them as we fought against imperialism.
On a lighter note, he also added: “Australia, West Indies and India have won World Cups, but the masters of the game have not.”
India recently finished off a long tour in the Caribbean with a two-match T20I series in Florida. Gayle was forced to sit out of both games due to injury.
Thakur also spoke about Gayle’s impact on the cricketing world, and his popularity in India. “Chris Gayle is more popular in Kanpur than in Kingston. He brings cultures and countries together”, he said.
Known for his humour on Twitter, Sehwag carried much of the same form at the book launch, and there was a lot of friendly banter between the two swashbuckling openers.
While talking about the West Indian, Sehwag said: “Chris has scored a three hundred, but doesn’t have a five wicket haul like me”, to which Gayle retorted “I have two 5-wicket hauls, Mr. Viru!”.
Sehwag told the audience about his rapport with Gayle that has developed over the years. Both made their international debut in 1999.
“He scored two-three hundreds in the first series against India, and I was mightily impressed. Now, Chris and me talk a lot always talk about sixes. He is a huge star and has made the game popular”.Gayle recently got to another important milestone in life by being a father to baby girl. He conceded that he would want Sehwag to give him tips on fatherhood. Sehwag was quick to responded that he will teach the Jamaican how to change diapers.
He wished Gayle the best of luck for his book: “I am confident that ‘Six Machine’ will be well received by cricketing fans around the world”Gayle also reflected how the book gives an insight into his childhood. In the book, Gayle talks at length about growing up in the small lanes of Jamaica, and being fascinated by the game amidst the poverty that surrounded him. “I’m really excited about releasing my first book. I hope it can reach far and wide, through cricket and beyond, for there are stories to tell and secrets I’ve waited a long time to share. Being me is fun. I don’t believe in boring. And Six Machine is me, in every way,” he added.
Also read: Chris Gayle ‘Six Machine’: Full book review
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