My mom was smiling whole day when I quit captaincy: Lara more interviews
London July 2000
Brian Lara
Forget any other cricketer, no sportsmen in the history perhaps, has had to live under the kind of pressure that Brian Lara has experienced. He became a world record holder when just 24, and a few more records went down soon after.
Lara was legend, regarded as the best batsman in the world, a genius who could do no wrong. And then, the downfall started. Lara was perceived as arrogant, it was said that success went to his head, from an idol, he became a bag critics loved to punch.
In the middle of all these, Lara got what he desired the most - the West Indies cricket captaincy. Everyone thought the Brian Lara of old would almost certainly re-emerge, but that was not to be. Lara, disappointed by his team and with himself, quit captaincy, and for the time being, the game itself. He is in England after a long break, and while his form is not awesome, one can see the shades of the genius that ruled the cricketing world not so long ago.
"Leaving the captaincy was the best thing for me to do at that time, Lara told Channel 4 recently. Excerpts from the interview.
Q: How did you feel after resigning as the captain of the West Indies?
A: I can tell you how my mom felt. She was smiling whole day when I told her of my decision. I felt that this was it, and the time has now come.Q: You are back after a long break from cricket. How has it helped?
A: Yeah, it did a lot of good to me. I have been touring since I was 19, and it was time I give some time to my family. A cricketer has to live out of the suitcase, and it is never easy. You are never at home during the family functions or festivals. I have a family now, and I have strengthened my relationship with them.Q: So, do we see a rejuvenated Brian Lara now?
A: Surely. Cricket is something that I want to play, and I love the game a lot.
Q: It is said that you wanted to leave cricket altogether but your great friend and Manchester United star Dwight Yorke talked you out of it.
A: He has always been there for me. We share a special friendship. I know he will always be there when I need him.
Q: Do you ever envy Yorke, the kind of money he earns?
A: Never, never ever. But I do think cricket has to be marketed properly. I mean, look at games like soccer. The administrators need to promote the game in a better way to bring in more money in cricket.
Q: How are you feeling in this series?
A: We are down by a Test, so we have to pull ourselves. The team is doing fine, Courtney and Curtly are all keyed up. I am feeling fine, and I think we are capable of winning this series.