Brian Lara believes it is his competitive nature that has made him the star that he has become.
Speaking at Infocom 2023, an ABP initiative, the former West Indies captain said he imbibed his competitive nature from a very young age.
“I am absolutely competitive,” he said. “I always wanted to be better than my competitors from a young age... Always wanted to be on top. You can hardly do anything without being competitive,” Lara said.
Lara, whose 400 not out and unbeaten 501 remain the highest individual scores in Tests and first-class cricket, respectively, doesn’t wish to take much credit for his achievements.
“It was just destiny and it happened... It was just an opportunity and I got it. Not something to brag about. Hopefully, someone will break it one day,” Lara said.
He feels that this ODI World Cup has shown that there is still a place for this format in the days of franchise leagues and T20 cricket.
“This World Cup has shown the importance of 50-over cricket. You always will want to see a Virat Kohli evolve and show his technique... Build an innings. You have to hold on to Test and ODI cricket. T20 cricket is hit-and-miss, you don’t need technique in that format,” Lara remarked.
Lara was all praise for Kohli’s batting in the World Cup when he amassed a staggering 765 runs across 11 matches.
“This is someone who, you know, stepped aside as a captain of the team, and it’s
a very difficult thing to do,” Lara said.
“I had that experience as well... When you try your best as a captain and you sort of step back, and now you have to carry the mantle just as a batsman. I’m very proud to see the way he conducted himself throughout the World Cup.
“And he’s such a shining example, not just on the cricket field, but obviously the way he goes about life... And it was tremendous to see.
“India are playing a wonderful brand of cricket, and I’m hoping that they can continue doing so.”
