When talking about West Indies batsmen, immediately some of the names will be popped into your mind. Fearless batting of Sir Viv Richards, classic Lara, aggressive and entertaining Gayle, isn't it? Meanwhile, there is another legend who served 21 long years (1994-2015), being the backbone of the Windies batting line-up, Shivnarine Chanderpaul,
He may be a little bit underrated and shadowed by the great Brian Lara, even though has an extraordinary carrier. Anyway, last week(November 09, 2022) he was inducted into the ICC hall of fame along with Charlotte Edwards and Abdul Qadir, as the 107th to join the elite list.
With 2 black patches below his eyes and unorthodox batting stance always become special and trademark of him. His feet are around 45 degrees angled towards mid wicket region, and eventually come to the normal postion when the ball comes. With time, his patient approach made him the wall of the West Indies' middle order. His partnership with Lara became dreadful for opponent bowlers.
On December 20, 2013 in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
He started his carrier in 1994, against England at 19 years old. And he made 164 Test matches, which is the highest by a Windies batsman scoring 11,867 runs with an average of 51.37. It includes 30 centuries. And he played 268 ODI matches for West India, scoring 8,778 runs at an average of 41.60. Second highest scorer in Tests and third in ODI for West Indies.
On December 19, 2013 in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
He has scored, 6883 runs in 5th positon in Test, becoming the highest. So, it's a pleasure to seen him joining the elite elite list which he highly deserves.
A TRIBUTE TO CHANDERPAUL
Until the next time!
Thank You!
Best Regards!