Batting legend Brian Lara penned a heartfelt note for the West Indies cricket team after attending the second Test against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
The 56-year-old expressed immense pride in the team's fighting spirit and resilience, lauding their comeback in the game after a disastrous start.
After posting a massive 518/5 (declared) on the board, India wrapped up West Indies’ first innings at 248 in the second Test. Having gained a massive lead of 270 runs, the hosts decided to enforce the follow-on.
However, the Caribbean batters put up a spirited performance in their second dig. Riding on centuries from John Campbell (115) and Shai Hope (103), the tourists posted 390/10 in 118.5 overs and made India bat again. Justin Greaves (50) and skipper Roston Chase (40) also made notable contributions with the bat.
Lara, who was in Delhi as part of the West Indies contingent, took to Instagram to share an emotional message reflecting on his experience with the team and his hopes for the future.
"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," 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 a light shining at the end of the tunnel to take us through it all."
Lara added that spending time with the players gave him a deeper understanding of their challenges and aspirations.
"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 stated.
Lara also urged Cricket West Indies (CWI) to involve former legends more closely with the current generation to provide mentorship and inspiration.
"Sometimes from the outside looking in, we assume their commitment is lacking, but we may be wrong. Often, they just need guidance," he wrote. "Something for CWI to consider would be having one of our greats, and we have a few, to provide a presence amongst the team. Not necessarily travel as part of the team but to be seen and to be available for our players to bounce ideas off when they are searching for inspiration and breakthroughs."
Lara emphasized how the presence of icons like Sir Vivian Richards can have a deep impact on the team's mindset.
"Seeing Sir Viv in the stands for an away game and also him being available at home when the team is there can only bring positive vibes to our cricket," he said. "The simple message to our players that we believe in them seemed to resonate more than we fathomed."
The former West Indies skipper concluded his message by thanking his fellow legends and the hosts.
"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 and psyche. Thank you CWI and thank you India. Till next time. Congrats @johnbramz @shaidhope - proud of your performances."
Chasing a modest 121 for victory, India reached 63/1 at stumps on Day 4. The Shubman Gill-led side scored remaining 58 runs in the morning session on Day 5 to clinch series 2-0.
