Gayle: I am the greatest player of all time

When asked where he would place himself in the T20 format, record breaker Chris Gayle did not limit himself to the shortest form of the game. Rather, the big man said he is the greatest player of all time. The Jamaican was very happy in the post-match press conference after scoring a mesmerising 69-ball 146 to win the first ever BPL title for Rangpur Riders against holder Dhaka Dynamites at a jam-packed Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka Tuesday. “Thank you so much. It is a big game, a big occasion. To actually stand out and get a century in a final, you actually look back and say well done. You tap yourself on the back. It is a winning effort as well, which makes it more special for me,” said the unbeaten centurion.

Lets get this out the way before the celebrations derail any sensible message. @henrygayle you are an absolute legend! Best seat in the house today. Rangpur Rider boys, we did it the hard way, but got the chocolates. Respect for all the squad. Winning titles is never easy, beers!

— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) December 12, 2017

It was the 20th century for Gayle in the T20 format. But it was not an easy one as Gayle informed, “Especially in a very important game like a final, I look to bat 15 overs. The bowlers will tend to be more tentative in the back-end; you will get more loose balls. It is really what I do – try to bat as deep as possible.” Despite not getting off to a good start in BPL 5, Gayle got back to his scoring groove when it mattered the most, smashing two explosive centuries in the space of only five days. “I got some starts earlier, but didn’t really capitalise on it. I was getting back into the groove, and it is all about clicking in the right moment in a T20 tournament. The guys came into form when it actually mattered. Mash (Mashrafe bin Mortaza) handled this team well. The bowlers did a fantastic job, and the boys were hungry for it,” explained Gayle.

Fantastic experience playing in the @OfficialBPL and a great privilege shearing a dressing room with these two Rockstars @Bazmccullum and @henrygayle great men #everynight pic.twitter.com/GqXWZYbl0S

— Adam lyth (@lythy09) December 12, 2017

In terms of BPL, it was the fifth century for the big man and the first time he scored a century in a T20 final, be it in Bangladesh or anywhere else in the world. “I would put it in the top five, certainly for the occasion as well. I will have to reflect where this takes place. It is right up there. The 175 against Pune [Warriors] is a special one since it is the highest T20 score of all time,” said Gayle, alluding to his knock for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2013. Gayle was not shy to applaud his captain Mashrafe, who won the fourth BPL title in five attempts.

BPL final was @henrygayle show! Historic innings, treat to watch. Thank you Dhaka and Bangladesh for your love and support, memorable well organized tournament ???

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) December 12, 2017

“Mash is a great captain. He has a lot of experience behind him. He is a cool guy; he will talk some crazy stuff and make you relax. It is always good to be led by Mash. He doesn’t give up till the end. He is a good listener as well. The respect from him was good as well. We had [Brendon] McCullum around as well,” said Gayle. “When we arrived in Bangladesh, everyone was so excited to see Gayle and McCullum. It didn’t happen early on in the tournament, but I am glad it happened when it mattered. The fans were looking forward to it. It is about not trying to outdo each other. The communication and understanding was very good,” he added.