Never got this much love back home: Chris Gayle

Chennai: Chris Gayle, the highest run-getter in the Indian Premier League this season, is overwhelmed with the love and support he during his stint with runners-up Royal Challengers Bangalore and said he never gets this appreciation when he plays for the West Indies.

Gayle was in devastating form in the tournament, amassing 608 runs in 12 matches that deservedly got him the Player of the Tournament award. He missed out in the final against Chennai Super Kings here on Saturday, getting out for a duck in the team's 58-run loss. The big-hitting Jamaican, however, was floored by the love he got from fans in India.

Its amazing I can score no runs and still be love and appreciated round the World!! Never get these sort of luv an respect in West Indies!!!," Gayle wrote on his Twitter account.

Gayle, who was ignored by the national selectors for the West Indies-Pakistan series, was roped in by Royal Challengers at the last moment as a replacement for injured fast bowler Dirk Nannes.

He ended as the losing finalist but he congratulated fellow West Indian and Chennai Super Kings player Dwayne Bravo for winning the title.

"The party must go on...it was 3 WI players in finals, but at least 1 WI player taste IPL championship! Bravo..big up!! All 3 celebrating!!!," he wrote.

The explosive opener thanked RCB for giving him the opportunity.

"Well everything got an end...the IPL is 1...Thanks again every1, players, coach, boss, staff...and of course The Fans!!! More Blessings.."
source: cricketnext.in.com