IPL 2025: 'Best of Nicholas Pooran Yet to Come, Abhishek Sharma Redefining T20 Cricket,' Claims Chris Gayle | Exclusive Interview

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Former West Indies and legendary batter Chris Gayle has dominated India's home-grown Indian Premier League. The southpaw from the Caribbean, also known as Universe Boss, has achieved numerous milestones on the 22 yards.

The cash-rich IPL isn't untouched by Gayle's Caribbean Calypso as the 45-year-old still owns the record of the highest T20 score, 175, which came in IPL playing for RCB in the 2013 season.

Gayle has been a giant of the T20 format, and while interacting with myKhel, on the sidelines of the launch of second edition of Pro Cricket League in Ghaziabad, lavished praise upon Abhishek Sharma and Nicholas Pooran - who are reminding the fans of Gayle's style of batting.

The swashbuckler from Jamaica lauded compatriot Nicholas Pooran (of Lucknow Super Giants), who is the leading run scorer in the ongoing IPL 2025. Gayle reckons Pooran is poised for something special in this edition, adding that the 29-year-old dasher from Trinidad is yet to bring his best in the competition. Here are the excerpts:

Question: What are your thoughts on joining the second edition of Pro Cricket League, and what are you looking forward to this?

Chris Gayle: Yes, I'm joining the PCL season two as a legend, but my only complaint to the organisers is - why didn't they bring me in the first season? (laughs). On a serious note, this is a great initiative. Corporates bringing professional cricketers into their leagues- now that's something! For me, it's also a chance to learn from the corporates about how to improve my wealth (grins).

Question: Have you been following IPL?

Gayle: I don't watch too much cricket these days, but I do follow the scorecards and keep track of what's going on. It's always nice to see so many talented players lighting up the IPL stage.

Question: What are your thoughts on Sunrisers Hyderabad's run chase against Punjab Kings the other night?

Gayle: Oh man, that was a brilliant chase! The way those two left-handed batters went about it was just amazing. They showed the world how a big chase should be tackled, fearlessly and with intent.

Question: At the start of IPL 2025, there was a lot of chatter about teams breaching the 300-run mark. Do you think we'll see that this season?

Gayle: Honestly, not just 300 (in an innings); someone could even score 180 or more individually in a T20 match soon. When I scored 175 for RCB back in 2013, no one was batting like that. But now? These youngsters are playing fearless cricket. They're not afraid of the bowlers anymore. It's only a matter of time before those records start tumbling.

Question: What are your impressions of Abhishek Sharma and his incredible 141 against Punjab Kings?

Gayle: As I said, these young Indian batters have a lot of potential, and Abhishek Sharma (with his 141-run knock against Punjab Kings) just showcased the talent he possesses. He's playing with confidence, power, and that fearless mindset you love to see!

Question: What are your thoughts on Nicholas Pooran - who is batting like a man possessed and hitting sixes for fun - in the IPL 2025?

Gayle: Nicholas Pooran, my man, is in the best of form; plus, he's also a southpaw just like me (winks). We southpaws are a special breed in cricket (he says with yet another grin on his face). I believe this year, Pooran is going to do something very special, and his best is yet to come in the IPL 2025. He's such a clean striker of the ball, and bowlers are definitely scared of bowling to him. He's scoring those quick fifties in the IPL, now I want him to convert those 50s into hundreds.

Question: What are your thoughts on your other former franchise Punjab Kings, and do you think this combination of Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer is poised to achieve something special for Punjab Kings?

Gayle: How can Punjab Kings play without Universe Boss Chris Gayle? (Laughs). But jokes aside, I think the team looks very balanced this time around and kudos to Shreyas for leading this team very well. The combination of Punter and Shreyas has gelled very well. If they continue to do the good work, then they could end their drought.

Question: Chennai Super Kings have had a rough IPL 2025 so far. Some believe their power-play approach is outdated. Your take?

Gayle: Yes, things haven't clicked for CSK this season. But let's not forget - they're five-time champions. You can never count them out. They've got two sharp minds in Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni. Those two know how to build and rebuild a team. I'm sure they'll find a way to bounce back.