The unsung hero

When I was a kid, I have never had an opinion of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, except when he'd bat against India. 

At that time, I was a frantic Indian cricket fan. Not that I am not now; I prefer being a lot more objective about the game.

But after yesterday, I feel Chanderpaul is the best modern day batsman produced by the West Indies. 

Lara is overrated, in my opinion and Gayle is too flamboyant. 

Chanderpaul has stayed in the side since 1994 and has been a good servant to the game. 

He has no great technique. In fact, CricInfo's biography opens with 

'The possessor of the crabbiest technique in world cricket, Shivnarine Chanderpaul proves there is life beyond the coaching handbook.'

 But yet, again and again, the guy doesn't disappoint. He's still unbeaten on 153 and I don't know how much he'll make. 

He's been making runs consistently against all nations, but has always been overshadowed by Lara, Hooper and now Chris Gayle. But he's always delivered and that makes him great. Let's not forget that he nearly averages 50 in test matches.

Also, the fact that if he didn't sport West Indies colours, he'd look like a runtier version of my brother, has made him one of my favorite cricketers today.