Chanderpaul: ‘I wanted 12,000 runs, not Lara’s record’

Dubai: West Indian great Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who retired from international cricket last week, has one major regret. Stopping at 87 short of Brian Lara’s record as the highest run-getter for West Indies with 11,953 runs, he said it was not his team-mate’s record but the 12,000-mark that he aspired for.

Speaking to Gulf News on the eve of Masters Champions League (MCL), where he will be representing Gemini Arabians, Chanderpaul said: “My aim was to get to 12,000 Test runs and become the only West Indian to reach the landmark. That was my aim but that did not happen as in the last couple of tours. I did not get much runs and there is nothing that I could do about it.”

Known for his ability to play any bowling attack with ease and in his own inimitable style, he managed to pile up 11,867 runs from 164 Test matches.

“It has been a great run and I am fortunate to have played for nearly 21 years. I really enjoyed it and I am thankful for it,” he said.

His unique batting stance, totally open to the bowler, was heavily criticised as some even called him a batsman with the crabbiest technique in the world.

How, then, did Chanderpaul go about it and prove to be a success with such a stance?

“It’s something I worked out over the years and tried to get working,” he said. “You never master anything, but you try to get better. I really worked hard over the years,” he added.

Chanderpaul always had a penchant for trying unusual things: his anti-glare patches beneath his eyes had even evoked protests.

“I always used it whenever it was very glary,” he said. “I stick them on and it does help take 60-70 per cent of the glare off my eyes and that was good for me.”

The West Indian always took guard by removing a bail, nailing it to the ground with the handle of the bat like a sculptor, and then started his innings.

Asked about such a practice, Chanderpaul said: “I learnt from a very early age from my dad. It was something I grew up with doing and now a lot of players around the world are doing it.”

Chanderpaul went on to pile up 8,778 runs in One-Day Internationals too, with 11 hundreds and 59 fifties.

Which format did he enjoy playing the most?

“I definitely enjoyed Test cricket the most because it is one game that everyone will be tested — all batsmen, bowlers and everybody. It will show what you are made of.”

What, according to Chanderpaul, was his key to success despite having an unorthodox approach which defied the coaching handbook?

“You can only prepare as well as you can and so try your best and work hard on nets,” he said.

“You don’t know next day what’s going to happen but once you have put in a lot of hard work, those hard work will make it easy.”

When asked about his matches in Sharjah, Chanderpaul said he even remembered his first match.

“It’s always a special occasion to come out here and play,” he said. “Lot of fans come there to watch matches and the excitement is special. I first played here in 1997 and the development I have seen from then on was unbelievable. I came back a few times it’s always been very nice.”

Chanderpaul is looking forward to play in the MCL, especially against his team-mate Lara.

“It’s great to see so many players here and some of the teams have some real good composition,” Chanderpaul said.

“The league is a very good concept for retired guys to come back and play. There [are] still people out there who still want to see these top players play,” he added.

“For them, this is a perfect opportunity. Having players like Brian [Lara] around is something special. It’s great to watch him play and he is always a fun guy [to hang] around.”