BIG-HITTING Jamaican, Chris Gayle, has been forced to pull out of South Africa’s domestic Ram Slam T20 Tournament because he will not recover in time from a torn hamstring, which occurred during a one-day international (ODI) against India in November.
KZN Cricket announced that the 34-year-old would no longer be joining the Sunfoil Dolphins. This is Gayle’s second trip to Durban that has been cancelled following an injury sustained during his play for the West Indies national side. Based on medical advice, he has opted not to make the trip to Durban to allow his injury more time to recover, ahead of a very full year.
“I am devastated not to be able to join up with the Sunfoil Dolphins this year. It’s the second time I have been unable to play with them because of injury so it’s extremely frustrating. I put everything into my rehab program and really hoped I’d be given the all clear.
“I know how much planning had been done by Jesse Chellan and Lance Klusener which makes this even more disappointing. I wish the guys all the best with their campaign and hopefully it’s third time lucky should I have the opportunity to play for the Dolphins in the future,” he said.
Jesse Chellan, CEO of Sunfoil Dolphins said the KZN cricket union had received confirmation from Chris’ agent that his rehab and recovery has not progressed as well as they had hoped. “Estimates are that he will only return to full fitness by early Feb,” said Chellan.