The Prince of West Indies: Revisiting Brian Lara's lofty peaks

5. Bridgetown, Barbados answer's Lara's query, April 21, 2007

It is a damning indignation to note that the team Lara healed and sobered, saved and beautified by his many masterstrokes couldn't add to the tally of his successes.

As a captain, Lara's journey would often be stifled by poor showings in both departments of the game, with critics going on to anoint Lara as the aloof figure responsible for the half-heartedness of a seemingly hapless Windies.

One of the saddest blows to Brian would come in the West Indies' hosting of the 2007 World cup, a tournament where they failed to advance into the semi's.

Playing his last international game against a Kevin Pietersen powered England, Lara's walk back to the pavilion after being run out but a needless entanglement with Marlon Samuels was one of modern cricket's heaviest moment.

It signaled the end of an era and curtains on a career that soared and skyrocketed to international fame for 14 long years.

At the presentation ceremony, after his side's 1 wicket loss, Lara asked the audience, "Did I entertain". The reply Lara got from hundreds and thousands who had gathered to see their favorite hero resonated the voice of fans world over, who sought joy from Lara's heroics.

Here is Brian Lara, in all his majesty, like a beautifully carved masterpiece that evokes as much jubilation as a tint of pain. His journey as a selfless soldier of the West Indies is one that brings boundless joys. But then, arduous is the path where glory lies. Lara, it has to be said was a mighty climber on this path.