West Indian opener Chris Gayle will miss the next two matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League after flying back to Jamaica for the birth of his first child.

The left-hander flew back on Monday to be with his partner Natasha Berridge, who is expecting their first child.

Confirming the news on his Instagram page, Gayle wrote: "I'm on my way, Baby."

He will miss RCB's matches against Mumbai Indians in Mumbai on April 20 and against Rising Pune Supergiants on April 22.

He is expected to join RCB on April 25.

Gayle failed with the bat for RCB in their first two games, scoring 0 and 1, against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Daredevils respectively. 

Image: An excited Chris Gayle on his flight back home

Photograph: Instagram