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Columns Interviews

Lara is definitely my role model
Sai Prasad Mohapatra, Hindustan Times
Mumbai, November 23, 2011
First Published: 23:41 IST(23/11/2011)
Last Updated: 23:51 IST(23/11/2011)
Indian bowler Varun Aaron (R) celebrates with team mates VVS Laxman (C) and Virat Kohli after taking wicket of West Indies batsman Darren Bravo during the second day of the third test cricket match between India and West Indies at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

Darren Bravo is on cloud nine after scoring two hundreds on the trot. The stylish batsman, who evokes comparisons with legendary compatriot Brian Lara, has perhaps started living up to his promise and potential.

In this interview, the left-hander speaks about his game and Lara's influence. Excerpts:

Three centuries in 20 days, it seems you can not do anything wrong these days?
It's a great feeling indeed. Probably the best month of my career. I have worked hard on my game and it's nice to reap the rewards.

Coming into the series, what was your biggest challenge?
I got my first Test hundred in Bangladesh, so that gave me some sort of confidence coming into this series. I am aware of the conditions as I played in the Champions League. I just needed to stay confident.

You resemble Lara and are also related to him. Does that have a bearing on your game?
Maybe, but I am not too sure. I grew up watching Brian bat. I look up to him a lot; he's definitely my role model as far as my batting is concerned. I respect him for what he has achieved and, hopefully I might also reach those heights.

Did Sachin tell you that you remind him of Lara?
He hasn't told me anything like that but it's nice of him to come up to me and say, "Well played." It was a special feeling.

The writer works with ESPN's SportsCenter

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