Brian Lara, the esteemed West Indies batting legend, underwent a transition last year as he stepped down from his role as head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), making way for Daniel Vettori after the team’s lacklustre performance culminated in finishing at the bottom of the IPL standings. Lara had initially joined SRH as their batting coach but parted ways with the franchise after just one season, acknowledging the less-than-ideal conclusion to his coaching stint.
However, despite the unforeseen turn of events, Brian Lara remains optimistic about SRH’s prospects in the ongoing IPL season, listing them among his favourites to make it to the playoffs alongside Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai Super Kings. Expressing his sentiments, Lara emphasized his desire to see SRH succeed, emphasizing the continuity of the team’s journey in the tournament.
“I have to make it very clear because sometimes people will think your relationship with SRH was so bad but I would love to see SRH do well. I feel it is a continuation of something,” Brian Lara remarked, as quoted by news agency PTI.
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During his stay in India for the IPL, Brian Lara took a moment to reflect on his affection for the country, highlighting the warmth and hospitality he experiences. Despite not being an avid fan of Bollywood or English movies, Lara finds solace in the genuine affection he receives from the people of India.
“I’m not a big Bollywood fan. I do come from a country with majority Indian population…So, there is a lot of interest in Bollywood. I’m not even an English movie fan. So unfortunately…Harry Potter and these things, I haven’t really seen,” Brian Lara humorously shared, emphasizing his appreciation for the unconditional love he receives in India.
‘I feel it is a continuation of something’https://t.co/D8vQWPgT86
— News18 CricketNext (@cricketnext) May 9, 2024
Acknowledging the overwhelming reception he receives, Brian Lara expressed, “I think when you come to India, the way how you’re treated, you know, and when you turn any corner there’s a smile on someone’s face just from seeing you.” He further elaborated on the positive impact of being embraced in a foreign country, contrasting the bustling streets of Miami with the warm embrace of Indian hospitality.
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Adding a culinary note to the conversation, Lara professed his fondness for ‘chhole bhature’, a popular north-Indian street food that resonates with his taste buds, drawing parallels with a Trinidadian dish called Doubles. He fondly recalled sharing this culinary delight with Indian players during their visits to Trinidad, underscoring the cultural exchange and camaraderie fostered through food.
In essence, Lara’s love for India transcends beyond the cricketing arena, encompassing the genuine warmth, hospitality, and culinary delights that make his experiences in the country truly memorable.
