Mumbai: Brian Charles Lara. The name conjures an image of a batsman swivelling on his back-foot, playing a majestic pull shot against the speedsters, resulting in a perfect freeze frame - the Nataraja pose.
For almost 17 years one name was synonymous with West Indies cricket - Lara.
The man is currently traveling all across India to watch the Indian Premier League 2010 and is keeping a close eye on the men from the Caribbean in the league. In an exclusive interview with iplt20.com, Lara spoke about his chemistry with Sachin Tendulkar, Kieron Pollard and his plans for making a comeback to the game with IPL.
Praising the concept of Indian Premier League, Lara said, “It is an awesome concept. IPL is into its third year. They had a season in South Africa and this year it is back in India. I like the concept of franchise [-based cricket] with the private investors coming in. Just like in the English Premier League in England and the Spanish League, you know people are following their clubs. The players are real. It is a great venture and is catching up all around the world.”
It would be safe to say that the cricket-viewing experience is not complete until you have seen an innings by an in-form Brian Lara. For who knows if we'd ever again get to feast on the deeds of such a genius on the cricket field. So does he plans to get back to cricket with IPL?
“I don’t know if I can. It has been a long time since I have played competitive cricket. The standard of cricket being played in the Indian Premier League is pretty high so I need to be on the top of my game before I think of joining the league. So for now I am happy watching it,” he says displaying remarkable modesty.
Mumbai and Sachin are two names which bring a smile on Lara’s face. But which of the two he is fonder of?
“Well, obviously with my fellow West Indians playing in the tournament I had to be here. Mumbai is my favourite city in India. I have a few friends in here and I love coming here during this part of the year. Obviously watching Sachin [Tendulkar] at home is an invite no one can deny.
“I think we have a mutual admiration for each other's talent. We do feed on each other. We have been together on tours and we have discussed batting techniques. I would be happy if Sachin [Tendulkar] breaks my record of 400 in Test cricket. No one other than Sachin should do it,” he added.
With his nimble footwork he cut, drove, hooked and pulled fast bowlers and spinners with disdain through his career. A quality unmatched and hard to find among the youngsters. But quite a few have impressed him from the Caribbean.
“[Dwayne] Bravo has been playing international cricket for a while now so he has the experience and temperament to play at this level. He has had a good season in IPL already so he will be an asset for Mumbai Indians,” he said.
There’s been a lot of hype surrounding Kieron Pollard’s inclusion in the Mumbai Indians side. Will Pollard be able to live up to his reputation?
“[Kieron] Pollard has attracted a lot of attention with his big hitting already. He has to develop the consistency factor. To get one or two big scores is one thing but to win games consistently for your team is quite different. So, I hope he takes the IPL by storm by his powerful play and consistency,” he explained.
Lara was a true entertainer in every sense of the word. Which West Indies feel is up to entertaining the crowds consistently? “Adrian Barath is a talented young West Indies cricketer. He impressed with his debut for the Carribean against Australia. He will be representing Kings XI Punjab so I too will be supporting [Kumar] Sangakkara’s side.”
What about the bowlers? “We have Kemar Roach who is a very good. Although he is inexperienced there is also an opportunity for youngsters like him and other West Indies cricketers to prepare themselves for the highest level. He is very competitive [in the tournament] and his participation will only build his character,” he said.
Lara acknowledged that the rise of the shortest format has resulted in the rise of T20 specialists. “Yeah, there are specialists but I would say a good cricketer will be successful in all formats in the long run. Talking about the specialist – [Dwayne] Smith is an experienced campaigner in the T20 format. He loves the fast pace of the game and anyone who enjoys the pace and nuances of Twenty20 format will make it big like Smith,” he wrapped up.
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