Subscribers Only Have you subscribed yet?
Buy Print
Published : Apr 06, 2024 17:03 IST , Hyderabad – 6 MINS READ
Comments 
Follow Us
SHARE
READ LATER
Lara said that he has conversations with West Indies’ players who are willing to come forward, especially with some young batters and I will continue doing that. | Photo Credit: Vivek Bendre/The Hindu
West Indian great Brian Lara, now on the TV commentary panel for the ongoing IPL, feels that the tournament has become the biggest platform for youngsters to showcase their talent in pursuing their dreams of playing for their respective countries.
In an exclusive interview, the 54-year-old shared his thoughts on IPL as he took part in the Star Sports’ initiative, ‘Star Nahi Far, played ‘gully cricket’ in the City and had a taste of the authentic Hyderabadi cuisine.
There is a major difference every year in the IPL. The sequence of par scores is always increasing. Look at the record score set up by SRH the other day (against Mumbai Indians). What is happening in power-play is something really special. I believe 60 to 80 is a par score in power-play now.
Records tumbled last night in Hyderabad!
Which record do you think will stand the test of time?
List of records 👉 https://t.co/HR4wwWUBrL#SRHvMI#IPL2024#CricketTwitterpic.twitter.com/JOS7pG1WJe
It helps the bowlers to sort out the batters who are not comfortable with the bouncer. But, it has also not stopped the run scoring.
ALSO READ: Should Mayank Yadav play T20 World Cup — former national selectors and fast bowling coach have their say
It is great in terms of unearthing talent. I like young fast bowler Mayank Yadav. Four years ago it was Umran Malik of SRH. It is good to see India produce so many young fast bowlers on this stage. I hope they are groomed and considered for the longer version of the game.
Mayank Yadav, who has been a revelation in IPL 2024, celebrates the wicket of RCB’s Cameron Green. | Photo Credit: Murali Kumar K/The Hindu
The game has grown every single year and it is a wonderful product of the BCCI. Coming back to being a platform for some young talent, I believe it is the biggest one. Sometimes, players around the world have not represented their country properly and IPL gives them an opportunity which is good for them. It serves greatly for any young player.
That is more of a question for the players. But, if I were playing, I would like a break from playing cricket before a World Cup. I believe team bonding is important before any World Cup.
That would be a lot more beneficial. But, again, the IPL window is such that it doesn’t allow any scope for such things. Still, I think the players, captains and coaches love togetherness. They don’t get straight into a World Cup without getting to know each other better. Well, every single team suffers from that.
I can’t say about the younger players, they are eager to come and dream of playing in the IPL. But, yes, when the IPL had just started, many Test cricketers like Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Sachin Tendulkar and Shivnarine Chanderpaul had to adjust to this format.
This iconic batter. This iconic stance.#OnThisDay in 2008, for the first time in blue-and-gold – Master Blaster चा debut. 🤩💙#OneFamily#MumbaiMeriJaan#MumbaiIndians#TATAIPL@sachin_rtpic.twitter.com/5Cxx9oTHQO
I am enjoying my commentary after my stint with SRH as head coach. It is very exciting and much appreciated though playing is something that came naturally to me. It is a great ‘family’ out here.
ALSO READ: Shashank and Ashutosh, latest in the tournament’s longlist of freshly minted stars
I have been coming to India since I was 14 as a school cricketer. I always loved this country. The passion of the Indian fans is, I believe, the greatest around the world. I love a little bit of biryani, but I prefer nan, roti, masala shrimp curry, and dal.
That was amazing, coming so long after they hadn’t beaten Australia in Australia. That young man’s (Shamar), (his) love for the game is tremendous. Still, it is very hard to believe though it is a true story. Magnificent how he rose to the occasion despite the injury. (It) showed how much he loved the game.
RELATED: Shamar Joseph’s 7-68 inspires West Indies to a stunning 8-run win over Australia
It's all over!!!
Shamar Joseph takes SEVEN #AUSvWIpic.twitter.com/fsGR6cjvkj
No, no, it is a victory. We have had a number of victories over the years against great teams. The West Indies still have a lot of work to do. Yes, that win shows that we have the side and the substance too.
(It) showed that the players, with their backs to the wall, were winning the fight. I would love some steps to be taken to take the game forward, administratively too. (It) needs to be consistent.
In terms of support for the game in the Caribbean, it is a turning point. The win has given us some sort of life. We have a World Cup coming up and I believe we are very strong contenders to win it. Then, we have a Test series in England this summer.
Right now, I have conversations with players who are willing to come forward, especially with some young batters and I will continue doing that.
Beating Australia in 1999 in Barbados, chasing a victory target of 308 successfully after losing nine wickets (Lara scored 153 n.o.), chasing down 418 successfully in 2003 in the Antigua Test against Australia (Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul scored centuries and Lara 60), winning the Champions Trophy in 2004 were really special.
#OnThisDay in 1999, West Indies defeated Australia on Day 4 with @BrianLara securing 2️⃣1️⃣3️⃣ runs on Day 3 of the 2nd Test!🐐 Do you remember it? #MenInMaroon#ItsOurGamepic.twitter.com/V6YeC86Ns8
And you can’t take that feeling away from breaking the Test world record not once but twice. These are special moments in my career and when I sit back I feel proud.
Comments
IPL 2024 /
IPL /
T20 World Cup 2024 /
Brian Lara /
West Indies
BACK TO TOP
Terms & conditions | Institutional Subscriber
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment
