West Indian batting legend Brian Lara believes the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become an invaluable platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent. Currently commentating for Star Sports on the ongoing IPL season, Lara shared his insights on the tournament and its impact on the cricketing landscape.
IPL: Breeding Ground for Young Talent
Brian Lara highlighted the IPL’s role in unearthing young stars. He specifically mentioned his admiration for young Indian fast bowler Mayank Yadav, comparing him to the previous breakout talent, Umran Malik of the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Lara emphasized the importance of nurturing these young pace bowlers and considering them for Test cricket in the future.pen_spark
Evolving Game and Innovation
Lara acknowledged the IPL’s continuous growth and evolution over the years. He praised the BCCI for creating a “wonderful product” and noted the increasing par scores each season, reflecting the aggressive batting approaches. Lara also commented on the innovative rule allowing two bouncers per over, finding it interesting for both bowlers and batsmen, without hindering the high run-scoring trend.
T20 World Cup Dilemma: Break or Bonding?
While acknowledging the benefits of the IPL, Brian Lara raised a critical point regarding its scheduling in relation to major ICC events like the T20 World Cup. He admitted that, as a player himself, he would have preferred a break before a World Cup to focus on team bonding, which he considers crucial for success.
However, he conceded that the current IPL window doesn’t readily allow for such a break. Lara emphasized the importance of team chemistry for all World Cup contenders, acknowledging the challenge of entering such tournaments without adequate time for players to gel.
“But, if I were playing, I would like a break from playing cricket before a World Cup. I believe team bonding is important before any World event,” Lara told The Hindu.
“But, again, the IPL window as such doesn’t allow any scope for such things. Still, the players, captains and coaches love togetherness. They don’t get straight into a World Cup without getting to know each other better. Again, every single team suffers from that,” he explained.
Adapting Styles in the IPL Frenzy
When asked if the IPL forces players to alter their natural game, Lara differentiated between experienced players and youngsters. He suggested that younger players might be more willing to adapt their style to succeed in the high-octane environment of the IPL.
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Enjoying Commentary Stint
Lara concluded by expressing his enjoyment in his current role as a commentator for Star Sports, following his stint as head coach for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. While acknowledging his passion for playing, he finds commentary exciting and appreciates the camaraderie within the Star Sports team.
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