Overview

• In a new podcast interview on September 8, Gayle said he was “disrespected” and “treated like a kid” at Punjab Kings, which he says pushed him toward depression.
• He recounted breaking down during a one-on-one with then head coach Anil Kumble before deciding to leave the team.
• Gayle said captain KL Rahul called urging him to stay for the next game, but he packed his bag and left after the September 28, 2021 match against Mumbai Indians.
• He said money was irrelevant compared with mental health during the UAE bio-bubble and the approaching T20 World Cup, reframing what was publicly cited then as bubble fatigue.
• Gayle added he is available for an IPL return if invited but holds grudges against Punjab Kings; no response from the franchise was reported.