After realising that Shivnarine Chanderpaul drew alongside batting legend Sir Vivian Richards on the all-time list of West Indies century-makers, and that this puts him only behind Sir Garfield Sobers, with 26, and Brian Lara, 34, it dawned on me how important it is for any sportsman to be dedicated to his game, and to stay focused. Chanderpaul’s achievement is a living, practical lesson for all people in the world, but especially, his fellow Guyanese.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul
First, I daringly submit that Chanderpaul is not a man of flamboyance, panache and elegance. He lacks the eye-hand co-ordination of Sir Viv, and that power as well; the repertoire of Sir Gary; and the elegance of Lara. However, the three greats combined cannot match his defiance.
While, Sir Viv intimidates, Sir Gary entertains, and Lara mesmerises, Chanderpaul breaks the spirit of the opposition. He does this to the point that bowlers have testified that they have become repeatedly exhausted because of his presence at the crease. What is vital to remember here is that Chanderpaul did not possess this kind of obduracy at first. He worked hard at achieving it.
He was known to be weak and lacking in stamina. He had serious injuries. To this, one can add his personal and domestic difficulties, yet the man comes out on top. There was a time in his career, when he led the West Indies for a handful of test matches, and he was demoralised by so many people. Some of his major colleagues colluded against him as well. Editor, even the commentators acted in a disdainful manner.
For example, when Pakistan was in the West Indies in 2005, Chanderpaul spread the field as Shahid Afridi came to the wicket. Here the likes of Jeffrey Dujon and Michael Holding verbally mauled him for being a “dumb” captain. Lo and behold, Afridi was dropped on the boundary.
Another incident was in World Cup 1999. Playing against Pakistan, West Indies were 101/4 when Ricardo Powel came to join Chanderpaul. Instantly, Holding suggested that Chanderpaul should allow Powel to get more of the strike. Well, whether or not Holding was telepathically heard and obeyed, Powel got the strike, and the inevitable happened. He fell for prolonged four. Chanderpaul was last dismissed for 77, as West Indies fell for 202, looking up to a target of 230. Funny, but no one asked Holding what were his motives behind such a suggestion. For sure, it cannot be cricketing logic; maybe one can proffer territorial prejudice or even personal odium, from the erstwhile fast bowling giant.
So Editor, the man has stood up, and he deserves every accolade that can now be heaped on him. Otis Gibson should really be in consultation with. Here is why: Shiv shared a crucial third-wicket stand of 108 (first test in India) with 18-year-old opener, Kraigg Brathwaite, a noted admirer of Chanderpaul’s methods of run accumulation, after West Indies dipped to 72 for three; he talked to Kraigg and pointed out a few things; and whenever the young players ask for help, he does what he can do.
Chanderpaul is still that piece de resistance of the West Indies test team. He is now with 136 Tests and is the second-highest run-maker for West Indies, with 9,604 runs, trailing behind Lara who has 11,953. Chanderpaul really should be back in the one day side, opening the batting. Of recent, the regional side have been struggling in their efforts to bat 50 overs, especially against the top sides of the world. Also, the man should have a say, providing health and fitness be on his side, how he plans to make his exit from the game.
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