West Indies batsman Chris Gayle has applauded the Indian team for their brilliant comeback in the ongoing four-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series after suffering a defeat in Adelaide where they got bowled out on 36 runs. India responded to the humiliation with a win at Melbourne in the second Test. 

Gayle congratulated India's stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane and the rest of the team. He acknowledged how India managed to stay in the competition despite being under a lot of pressure.

“I’m not fully following it to be honest. Based on the last result, they had, getting bowled out in the first Test with 36, there were so many talks that happened and there were different speculations about the team. It was facing a lot of pressure, and then to be able to bounce back with such a fantastic win against Australia the Boxing Day Test much. India really deserves a pat on their back,” Gayle told Hindustan Times in an exclusive chat.

ALSO READ: "I still have five more years" - Chris Gayle aims to play two more T20 World Cups before retirement

“You know that performance, it takes strength of character to actually bounce back from such a heavy defeat in the first Test. So, Rahane did a fantastic job there. Congratulations to Rahane and Team India. The third Test should be one to watch as well. All the guns are going to be blazing from both teams.”

Gayle talked about his stint with Kings XI Punjab in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL 2020). He was included in the playing XI after warming bench for seven matches which changed the franchise's fortunes in the tournament.

“It’s one of those things where, you know, the user experience varies. I haven’t and didn’t study the IPL, and missed the first seven games (the first of the IPL). But most players get upset and agitated about these things. I still play my supporting role and I explained to the team that whenever they need me, I will be available,” he said. 

“But I was a bit disappointed that it didn’t start the IPL but eventually it happened and I played the first game, even though I got sick when I was supposed to play again. There were plenty of twists and turns before I actually played my first game,” he said.

“But eventually it happened and I was able to use my experience within IPL, because, you know I’ve been playing the tournament since the beginning. There was nothing to actually write about, but just to show people that you know Universe Boss is still around, because I’m the GOAT. So, it’s just one of those things they can learn from their mistake, not me.”

(With Hindustan Times Inputs)