West Indies legend Brian Lara penned an emotional and inspiring note after attending the second Test between India and West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The former batting maestro expressed immense pride in the Caribbean side’s resilience and fighting spirit, especially after a tough start to the match.
The visitors, bowled out for 248 in the first innings, staged an impressive comeback in the second with gritty centuries from John Campbell and Shai Hope, posting 390 and setting India a fourth-innings target of 121. Although the match tilted in India’s favor, the West Indies’ spirited fightback earned applause from all corners. Brian Lara, who was part of the West Indies contingent during the tour, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message about his experience and the future of West Indies cricket.
“Firstly, I want to express with great humility what an honour it was to be called upon to represent West Indies cricket at such a crucial time,” Brian Lara wrote. “I understand the current struggle and the restrictive financial situation, but like our players are showing presently, if we fight hard and believe in the cause, there will be light shining at the end of the tunnel to take us through it all.”
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Lara, who has been deeply involved in mentoring young Caribbean cricketers, said that spending time with the players gave him a better understanding of their challenges and mindset. “Being in the presence of the players brought me closer to their reality. The number of questions they asked showed me that they’re not just going through the motions — they’re searching for ways to lift themselves and the team out of this strife,” he said.
The 55-year-old legend also urged Cricket West Indies (CWI) to involve former greats more actively with the current generation. “Sometimes from the outside looking in, we assume their commitment is lacking, but we may be wrong.
Often, they just need guidance,” Brian Lara added. “Something for CWI to consider would be having one of our greats — and we have a few — provide a presence amongst the team. Not necessarily travel as part of the team but to be available for our players to bounce ideas off when they are searching for inspiration and breakthroughs.”
Lara highlighted the powerful influence that figures like Sir Vivian Richards and Sir Richie Richardson can have on young cricketers. “Seeing Sir Viv in the stands for an away game and him being available at home can only bring positive vibes to our cricket. The simple message to our players that we believe in them seemed to resonate more than we fathomed,” he said.
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Concluding his message, Brian Lara expressed gratitude toward his fellow West Indian greats and the Indian cricket fraternity. “Thank you again, and to you Sir Viv and Sir Richie — it was an honour to be in your presence, wearing the burgundy that is buried deep in our hearts. Thank you CWI and thank you India. Till next time.”
At stumps on Day 4, India stood at 63 for 1 while chasing 121, with KL Rahul (25)* and Sai Sudharsan (30)* guiding the chase. Earlier, Justin Greaves (50)* and Jayden Seales (32) had frustrated India with a 79-run final wicket stand before Jasprit Bumrah wrapped up the West Indies innings at 390.
