Shivnarine Chanderpaul had been a great student of the
game. While playing gully cricket, we used to emulate Chanderpaul’s stance and
it always proved to be a disaster and of course, while standing in front of the
wicket like Chander, each of us looked like jokers. More than his batting
style, his stance had an impact among the school going boys of the 90s.
For a brief period his contributions were overshadowed by Brian Lara and when Lara retired, he carried the hopes of a team who were the lost souls of world cricket. His consistency was astonishing and his ability to occupy the crease hours after hours, kept the Caribbean hopes alive. But those sweat-breaking hundreds and half-centuries never transformed into match-winning ones. He lacked the support of a Viv, Lloyd, Haynes, Greenidge, Roberts, Holding, Marshall and Garner. Still, he continued to fight.
For a brief period his contributions were overshadowed by Brian Lara and when Lara retired, he carried the hopes of a team who were the lost souls of world cricket. His consistency was astonishing and his ability to occupy the crease hours after hours, kept the Caribbean hopes alive. But those sweat-breaking hundreds and half-centuries never transformed into match-winning ones. He lacked the support of a Viv, Lloyd, Haynes, Greenidge, Roberts, Holding, Marshall and Garner. Still, he continued to fight.
I feel sad that the West Indians failed to realize the effort
and sacrifices of a man who gave his all lift West Indies cricket. It’s an end
of an era. Chander was the last man who was carrying the torch of the glorious
90s. All good things come to an end. It’s time to go buddy. You have given this
game a lot of memories and plenty of things to learn.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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