Mumbai, Jan 20 (IANS) West Indies’ explosive batsman Chris Gayle, who was replacement player last season, was Friday signed up by Bangalore Royal Challengers for two seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Gayle, who was part of Kolkata Knight Riders for the first three seasons, went unsold in last year’s players auction but later joined RCB as a replacement for injured Australian all-rounder Dirk Nannes. Gayle went on to become the highest scorer in the IPL and won the Orange cap as well. He also played for Royal Challengers in the Champions League.

“We are delighted to make Chris Gayle a permanent member of our IPL squad. He is one of the best batsmen in the world. His form helped us qualify for the final of the 2011 edition of the tournament,” Siddhartha Mallya, Director, Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd, said in a statement.

“We are confident that with players like him in our side, we will take the extra step this season, and win our maiden IPL title,” he added.

Gayle said he is happy to be back at his home away from home.

“I had a great time representing RCB last year. It is a terrific outfit. The players are brilliant. They are complemented by the support-staff and administrators, all of whom have gone out of their way to make the players comfortable, and give them the freedom to express themselves on the field. To me, Bangalore has been a home away from home,” he said.

IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla said Gayle adds a lot of value to the tournament with his explosive batting.

“Chris Gayle is one of those cricketers who was born to excel in all formats of the sport. He was at his destructive best in IPL 2011, and one can safely assume that we will see a lot more fireworks emanate from his blade in the forthcoming IPL seasons,” Shukla said.