Many Punjab Kings (PBKS) fans were outraged by Ravi Bishnoi’s exclusion from the team’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Tuesday, going to Twitter to mock head coach Anil Kumble. Chris Gayle, who would have turned 42 on Tuesday, was also absent from the starting XI. While many people were startled by Gayle’s absence, including Sunil Gavaskar and Kevin Pietersen in the TV studio, others were disappointed by Bishnoi’s absence.
With rumours tying Kumble to the position of India head coach after Ravi Shastri’s term ends later this year, some fans mocked the former captain.
One fan speculated, “He’ll rest Bumrah and play Praveen Kumar.” Another fan said, “Kumble taking revenge from Wrong Ravi.”
Meanwhile, Gavaskar and Pietersen were taken aback by Gayle’s exclusion.
“I believe he will be more disappointed than the rest of us. We can discuss it. There will be some inquiries made. I’m not sure why you’d leave Chris Gayle alone on his birthday. I told him how moved he was and how excited he was. He had a wide grin on his face. It was today that you were going to play him in a game. I have no idea what you’re thinking, “During the pre-match show on host broadcaster Star Sports, Pietersen said.
“I’m as surprised as KP that Chris Gayle isn’t in the lineup today. Today’s four overseas players have the potential to play brilliantly and help Punjab Kings win the game. But the truth is that you are overlooking one of the best T20 players in the world on your birthday “Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, said this.
Rajasthan Royals beat Punjab Kings by two runs in Tuesday’s dramatic match after restricting them to 183/4 after posting 185.