The 42-year-old Gayle represented the franchise between 2011 and 2017. The batsman never won a title at the club but set a number of records while there, including the highest ever individual T20 score of 175 during the 2013 IPL season.
Former RCB skipper Virat Kohli thanked the two greats for their contribution to making the IPL what it is today. Gayle thanked the club for the special honour.
"I want to thank the RCB family for the opportunity, for everything. It's been special to me as well. And to be inducted is something fantastic, and I will always keep RCB close to my heart. I share a lot of memories with some special players and some special coaches,” Gayle said.
“It's been fantastic. I wish I were there to give this speech, look into you guys' eyes, and tell you exactly how I feel. AB mentioned it's going to be emotional because it's very touching for such a franchise that has been created over the years. It's fantastic. And to Virat, thank you for the kind words as well. Fantastic sharing the dressing room with you guys as well."
The Universe Boss made a 45-ball 53 before he was run-out on the penultimate ball of the match as KXIP pulled off an eight-wicket win over the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Sharjah. After a cautious start, Gayle and Player of the Match KL Rahul, who scored an unbeaten 61, put on a match-winning partnership of 93 to lift KXIP to only their second win of the season.
RCB had scored 171 for 6, setting KXIP 172 to win.
Afterwards, Gayle was his usual confident self.
“Not really nervous. I mean, come on. It's Universe Boss batting, how can I be nervous,” he said explaining that the pitch was not the best but his focus was on helping his team to a well-needed win.
“It was a very sticky surface, very slow, but it was better batting second,” he said. The team asked me to do a job at three and it wasn't an issue,” he said while explaining the team decision to have him come one down as opposed to playing in his usual spot as opener.
“(The) openers been batting well throughout the tournament and we didn't want to disturb that. Like I said, I was given a job and took it. All I was saying, put some respect on the name [by pointing to his bat sticker]. That's all.”
