Well before Sachin Tendulkar became the first ODI double centurion in 2010, if cricket fans were asked who they think could score an ODI 200, Chris Gayle would make it to most of those lists. Now, the big hitting West Indian finally finds himself on that list as the 4th batsman to score an ODI double ton. But did you know, that the bat he used for this mammoth knock was manufactured in Punjab's sports goods manufacturing hub, Jalandhar?
Spartan Sports, who are Gayle's bat manufacturers, produce these bats in Jalandhar. The current lot of bats that Gayle is using were modified to his exact specifications, tailor made for the big hitter. Rajkumar, the bat maker who made Gayle's bat said, "I am very happy. Chris Gayle hit 215 with a bat I made. I made a few changes to his bat. The balance is very good, which is why he did so well." The Spartan factory workers in fact were celebrating Gayle's super knock in Jalandhar on Tuesday, in true Punjabi style, complete with the customary dhols.
Spartan Sports of course is more than happy to cash in on one of their most high profile brand ambassador's success. Jyoti Sharma, one of the owners of the company, said, "The 175 not out (in the 2013 IPL) was also scored with this bat and now the 215 he has again scored with a Spartan bat. Chris Gayle, who is our brand ambassador is a great player and we are all very proud of him. Our whole factory, our dealers are all very happy that Gayle has played such a great knock."
Of course when it comes to Gayle, his natural hitting talent is enough for him perhaps to clear the boundary regularly. Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones, who is on the Board of Spartan Sports, told NDTV, "He's got good big arms and big hands and he can get good bat speed. He doesn't need to worry about reverse sweeps or switch hits. He just hits through the line and that's enough."
Another big name brand ambassador of Spartan bats is Indian captain MS Dhoni. On the 6th of March, when India plays West Indies in the World Cup, it will be interesting to see whose willow is more successful, MSD's or Gayle's.