Was IPL coaching stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad ‘bad’ for Brian Lara? West Indies Great’s Honest Answer cricket news

A smiling face at every corner, compliments that remind him of family and to top it all off, a spicy, delicious plate of ‘Chole Bhature’. Great West Indies cricketer Brian Lara loves India and for a change Bollywood has nothing to do with it. The 55-year-old, who is commentating for Star Sports in the ongoing IPL in the country, took out time to visit the PTI headquarters for a free-spirited chat with its editors and did not hide his affection for the country where he played cricket. goes. There is a passion.

“I’m not a big fan of Bollywood. I come from a country with a majority Indian population…so, there’s a lot of interest in Bollywood. I’m also not a fan of English films. So unfortunately…Harry Potter and these things , I haven’t really seen,” she quipped with a wide smile on her face, turning up the charm offensive.

He quickly added, “But what I love about India is the unconditional love.”

Arguably one of the greatest batsmen of all time and one of the most recognized cricketers internationally, Lara said that what sustains his love for India is the warmth with which he is welcomed here.

“I think when you come to India, you know how you are treated, and when you turn a corner you just see a smile on someone’s face. I think it’s There’s something that’s refreshing and you know it’s very positive,” he said.

“It has such a positive effect on me that I’m in India, I get to be loved in a foreign country and the way they…walk around on South Beach in Miami, everybody’s pushing you out of the way.

“But in India, it’s a completely different story, everyone is putting pressure on you,” he said, trying to explain why India is so special to him.

He said, “So, I think to have praise in India from someone who started playing sports to the praise of my father and my siblings is something that I love, but it’s also the peace of the people “

However, not all of his India experiences have been pleasant. Lara has no hesitation in admitting that the way his coaching stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad ended was “bad”, but the West Indies icon still made it among his favorites to make it to the IPL knockouts this year. Chosen as one.

His other three choices are Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.

Lara said, “…I have to make this clear because sometimes people will think that your relationship with SRH was very bad, but I would love to see SRH do well. I think it is a continuation of something “

Coming back to ‘Chole Bhature’, Lara said that the popular North-Indian street food meal is similar to what she is used to eating at home.

He said, referring to a popular breakfast option at home, “I like it and it’s very close to a dish in Trinidad called doubles. Yeah, so look at it, look at Trinidad doubles and chickpea bhature and it’s Something very similar.”

“And I can tell you, when Indian players come to Trinidad, they have our doubles, they love it,” he revealed.

training on commentary

Lara is currently enjoying his commentary stint but it has not been without its challenges.

“One of the things, one of the challenges I face, is getting excited and creating excitement for the crowd when I believe something mean has happened,” he said candidly.

“So, a guy plays a big cover drive and it’s the inside edge for four and I have to be excited for that, it’s a bit tough,” he explained.

But then there are moments he enjoys.

“But to be a part of the IPL and to be a part of the game of cricket and for example, when Shamar Joseph took seven wickets in that Test match in Australia, and to be able to call that period my own, it’s exciting,” he said of the broken leg. Recalling the seven wickets taken by Joseph while bowling with his thumb.

However, he really wants to train young players. “You know, I think my number one experience is coaching. I think it’s amazing to work with young players and watch them grow… I don’t like to criticize players too much and I never- I never like to express my opinions behind closed doors, so being a commentator is a learning experience for me,” he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)