NEW DELHI: If any franchise in a T20 league around the world wants to sign a batter, Chris Gayle would undoubtedly be the first choice. The explosive West Indian's credentials in T20 cricket are unmatched, as he holds the world record for most runs in the format with 14,562.

Gayle has been the most admired batter in the Indian Premier League; no matter which team he played for, his popularity among fans always remained sky-high, thanks to his towering sixes and match-winning knocks.

Gayle represented three franchises during his tenure in the league – Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings – from 2009 to 2021. Over the years, he became a fan favourite wherever he went, smashing a record 357 sixes, the most in IPL history. Yet, despite his legendary status and astonishing batting feats, his exit from the league was far from ceremonious.

Gayle last took the field in an IPL match for Punjab Kings against Mumbai Indians in 2021, leaving the season midway under circumstances that remained unclear for years.

In a candid revelation on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, he opened up about what prompted his sudden departure. The West Indian superstar accused the franchise of treating him disrespectfully and admitted that he had broken down while speaking to then-coach Anil Kumble about his mental and emotional state at the time.

"Oh my IPL ended prematurely with Punjab. To be honest, I was disrespected at Kings XI Punjab. I felt I wasn't treated properly as a senior player who had done so much for the league and brought value to the franchise. Instead, they treated me like a kid. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was slipping into depression," Gayle said.

"Your mental health is more important than money. I called Anil (Kumble) and told him I was leaving. At the time, we had the World Cup and were stuck in a bubble, which was destroying me mentally. After my last game against Mumbai, I thought, 'This doesn't make sense. I'll do myself more damage by staying.'"

"I broke down talking to Anil because I was really hurt. I was disappointed with him and the way the franchise was run. KL Rahul, the captain, even called me saying, 'Chris, stay, you'll play the next game.' But I just said, 'I wish you all the best,' packed my bag, and walked out."

When questioned about a potential IPL comeback, Gayle said he was open to the idea but acknowledged that some lingering grudges remained.

"I was mistreated. I am available - if they want me, I'll come. But yes, I do have grudges. Loyalty means a lot to me," Gayle said.