Chris Gayle, fondly known as the “Universe Boss,” is a name synonymous with T20 cricket dominance. With over 14,500 runs in the format, Gayle’s sheer power and charisma have made him a global cricket icon. Out of the nine T20 leagues he graced, the Indian Premier League (IPL) was his biggest stage, where he amassed 4,965 runs in 142 matches, representing Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings between 2009 and 2021.

He remains the undisputed king of sixes, holding the record for the most sixes (357) in IPL history. Yet, despite his legendary stature, Gayle’s exit from the IPL was anything but glorious. The West Indies great last featured in the IPL in 2021, playing for Punjab Kings.

He left midway through the season, a decision that shocked fans at the time. Years later, Gayle has revealed the emotional turmoil that drove him to step away, accusing the franchise of disrespect.

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“Honestly, my IPL ended prematurely with Punjab. I felt disrespected, like I wasn’t valued for what I’d done for the league and the franchise. For the first time, I felt like I was slipping into depression,” Chris Gayle admitted on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast.

CHRIS GAYLE ON PUNJAB KINGS. 🗣️

“My IPL ended prematurely with Punjab. I was disrespected at Kings XI. I felt I wasn’t treated properly as a senior who had done so much for the league and brought value. They treated me like a kid. For the first time in my life, I felt like… pic.twitter.com/OpiXjrEpWY

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 8, 2025

The two-time T20 World Cup winner revealed he broke down during a conversation with then-head coach Anil Kumble, explaining how life in bio-bubbles during the COVID-19 era was taking a toll.

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“Mental health is more important than money. I told Anil I couldn’t stay. KL Rahul even called to ask me to play the next game, but I packed my bags and left,” he said. When asked about a potential IPL return, Gayle didn’t rule it out but expressed lingering disappointment. “I was mistreated. If they want me, I’ll come, but I do have grudges. Loyalty matters a lot to me,” he said.

Gayle’s revelations shed light on the mental health struggles even cricket’s biggest stars face, proving that beyond the sixes and records, players seek respect and support as much as glory.