Over-dependence on Gayle had been the bane for RCB last IPL too. One cannot expect Gayle to perform in each and every game and there would be occasions when he would be picked up cheaply in some of the games ahead.
Whenever Gayle has gone cheaply, RCB, on most occasions, have struggled to wriggle out of the pigeon-hole. Failure of Gayle to score any run in IPL title clash last year cost RCB heavily as they lost the game in the very first over chasing a mammoth 206 runs target set by Chennai Super Kings.
Leading up to the finals, RCB rode on Gayle's herculean efforts, who won the Orange Cap Award for scoring most runs in last IPL amassing 608 runs in 12 matches. He was instrumental in many victories for RCB and received five man of the match awards for his performances.
RCB also rode on Gayle's success in 2011 Champions League. The lusty-hitting Jamaican was the second highest run-getter in the competition, behind David Warner with 257 runs from six matches at an average of 42.83 and a top score of 92.
Losing three games in a row after defeating Delhi Daredevils in their opening encounter, RCB celebrated a last-ball victory against Pune Warriors after Gayle had smashed 81 off 48 balls, which set up the game for AB de Villiers and Saurabh Tiwary to finish off in style. MORE PTI BDN PM