There was joy and celebration in Kings XI Punjab’s universe at last. And “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle had a hand in that.

Returning to competitive cricket after nine long months, Gayle (53 off 45 balls) had an immediate impact that helped Kings XI pick up only their second win of IPL 2020. Interestingly, both wins have come against Royal Challengers.

After openers KL Rahul (61 not out off 49 balls) and Mayank Agarwal (45 off 25 balls) had laid the foundation in pursuit of a 172-run target, Gayle ensured that the innings didn’t fall apart like it has often been the case for Kings XI this season.

As a result Kings XI finally returned to winning ways with an eight-wicket triumph.

Though it did look that Kings XI will overhaul RCB’s 171/6 easily, there was some drama in the final over and ultimately one run was needed off the last ball of the match. Nicholas Pooran hit Yuzvendra Chahal for a six to finish it in style.

At 41, Gayle’s reflexes are certainly not like how it used to be even five-six years ago. His running between the wickets too has slowed down. He also took time to settle down coming in after Mayank’s dismissal. He got only six off the first 14 balls he faced.

But as soon as Washington Sundar erred in length, Gayle seized the opportunity and launched the off-spinner straight over the top for a maximum. Having teed off, he smashed Washington, who otherwise has been very impressive in the previous games, for three more sixes, making the equation easier for the Kings XI.

That said, Virat Kohli’s strategy of not using Washington during Powerplay and pushing AB de Villiers down to No. 6 in the batting order was baffling to say the least.

The De Villiers decision especially hurt RCB badly. Though Kohli made 48 off 39 balls, the move of sending Washington and Shivam Dube to bat ahead of an in-form De Villiers surely robbed RCB of some crucial runs.

Thanks to some late hitting by Chris Morris (25 not out off 8 balls), RCB managed a competitive total.