New Delhi [India], Jan 30: West Indies power hitter Christopher Henry Gayle who is the tall left-handed batsman sent balls out of the park in the Indian T20 league aka IPL. Gayle, known for his powerful clean hitting in the shortest format of cricket is the most destructive batsman available in the current period. With unbelievable records to his name, it was an unfamiliar sight when no bid was raised by any franchises for him on the 1st Day of IPL mega auctions. The Jamaican player had a base price of Rs 2 crore but couldn't garner any interest by any team on the first day, not even his returning team Royal Challengers Bangalore.

On the second day of auctions, right at the time when it appeared that the most successful batsman of IPL will not be taking part in the 11th edition, Kings Eleven Punjab's table had their paddle up. Preity Zinta, on the third call, had raised her paddle to bid for the West Indian at his base price. It went like, Richard Madley - the auctioneer - announced, "It is for the third time in this auction and it is, of course, player number four...bit of an IPL legend." Without even the bid starting, Virender Sehwag whispered a few words to Zinta and seconds later she raised the paddle. Chris Gayle was finally roped in by Kings XI Punjab as the room gave an applause on the bidding.

In IPL from 101 matches, he has made 3626 runs at an average of 41.20 with a colossal strike rate of 151.20. In another related development, KXIP co-owner Preity Zinta has reportedly submitted a request for name-change for the franchise ahead of the start of the new season. A BCCI official confirmed of KXIP's intentions to change the name.