Published on 06:51 PM, May 17, 2016

They're like Batman and Superman: Gayle

Virat Kohli (L) and AB de Villiers in action during their record 229-run partnership against Gujarat Lions on May 14. Photo: AFP

Royal Challengers Bangalore, boasting as they do the three most dangerous batsmen in T20 cricket, may remind fans of the Justice League, the dream team of superheroes in the DC comic universe. 

After their Virat Kohli-AB De Villiers hit squad led the chase of 183 against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 16 however, the third person in Bangalore's 1-2-3 punch, Chris Gayle, compared the duo to two of the Justice League's main superheroes. 

"Those two guys are playing like 'Batman and Superman'. They are in the form of their lives, especially Kohli. They should keep pressing the gas and fill their boots with as much runs as possible. They are doing a phenomenal job for RCB," Gayle was quoted by the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) as saying in the post-match media conference.

Just a match before, Kohli and De Villiers created a T20 record for the highest partnership of 229 runs against the Gujarat Lions. Bangalore skipper Kohli, with two matches still to go in the league phase of the season, has broken Gayle's record for most runs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) season with 752 at an average of 83.55 and a strike rate of 148.03. De Villiers is second on the table with 597 runs at 59.7 with a strike rate of 173.54.

Gayle backed him to get around 1000 by the time the campaign ends.

"I must congratulate him to achieve such a thing in IPL so far. With two more games, maybe he can get close to 1000 runs. And who knows, if we make the play-offs."

RCB now have to win two out of two games to jump into the top four and qualify for the play-offs and Gayle believes if his side make the cut they will be a force to reckon with.

Asked whether they would make the cut Gayle, showing just how much the local culture has been influencing him, said: "Inshallah (God willing), hopefully we win these two games which is very important for us. The rest will take care of itself."

The left-hander also exploded to form with a 31-ball 49 which set up the hunt for de Villiers and Kohli.

"I'm more happy for the fans today rather than Chris Gayle getting those runs. I'm glad to be back among runs. Something small but you have to accept that nothing has been big so far."

 

Source: IANS