RCB's Gayle flies back home to meet newborn son, to miss Mumbai game

Royal Challengers Bangalore's swashbuckling batsman Chris Gayle will miss Wednesday's away game against Mumbai Indians after the West Indian flew back home to meet his newborn son.

Gayle wanted to be with his partner Natasha Berridge, and the 36-year-old posted his picture on Instagram on Tuesday and wrote 'I'm on my way, Baby', referring to his partner.

Bangalore's young batsman Sarfaraz Khan confirmed the news ahead of their match against Mumbai.

"Gayle has become a father, so he has gone home to visit his family and son," Sarfaraz said at the pre-match press conference here.

In team's first match of IPL this season, Sarfaraz smashed 10-ball 35 in the death overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad and said his knock was applauded by the seniors in the team.

"Want to give my best in this IPL. After the first match this season, the seniors gave a lot of confidence to me and told me to keep on playing my natural game and play according to the situation," he said.

"We want to bat first at Wankhede as our top order is doing well. If I get to bat I will try to according to the situation. All seniors are giving e tips how to play in different situation and how to proceed in a tough situation," the 18-year-old said.

The Mumbai-born further added, "From last year's IPL to this year, I have learnt a lot of things, in between there was Under-19 World Cup and I got to learn a lot of things from coach Rahul Dravid. This year, I am getting to learn more things that Shane Watson has also come into the team so there is lot of experience in the team."