While records are often deemed unbreakable, some stand out as particularly formidable, such as Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries, Muttiah Muralitharan’s 800 Test wickets, Brian Lara’s highest Test score of 400, and Rohit Sharma’s highest ODI score of 264. Brian Lara, however, holds a different view, expressing belief in the potential for his record to be surpassed. Despite the rarity of 400-plus team totals in a Test innings in the current era, Lara not only suggested that his individual score record could be surpassed but also identified the player with the best chance to achieve it.
The West Indies legend pointed to talented Indian batter Shubman Gill as a contender capable of scoring over 400 runs in a Test innings. Lara, who achieved the milestone himself by scoring an unbeaten 400 against England in 2004, remains the sole cricketer to achieve this feat. Additionally, he holds the record for the highest individual score in first-class cricket, having scored an unbeaten 501 for Warwickshire against Durham in 1994. Lara suggested that Shubman Gill has the potential to surpass both of his remarkable achievements. The former West Indies captain described Gill as the most talented batter among the current group of players.
“Shubman Gill can break both my records. Gill is the most talented batter in this new generation. He will rule cricket in the coming years. I believe he will go on to break many big records. Gill didn’t score a century (in the World Cup) but look at the knocks he has already played. He has centuries in all formats, has smashed a double hundred in ODIs and has also played many match-winnings in the IPL. I’m sure he will many ICC tournaments in the future,” Lara said Anandabazar Patrika.
If Gill plays County cricket, then he can break my 501*: Lara
In addition to this, when the legendary batter was asked which aspect of Gill’s batting caught Lara’s attention the most, the legendary cricketer mentioned that the youngster’s style of batting was superb. He expressed immense belief in Gill and noted that Gill charged down the track to hit the seamers down the ground in an unbelievable manner.
“If Gill plays County cricket, then he can break my 501*. In Test cricket, he can surely go past 400. Cricket has changed a lot, especially batting. Batters play t20 leagues across the globe. IPL has changed everything. The scoring rate has gone up. So you will keep seeing big scores. Shubman will score big, mark my words,” Lara added.
Let’s look at how Twitter has reacted to this;
Inta run yeh ek innings Mai nahi bana sakta, double century Tak thik hai
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) December 6, 2023
Big words of appreciation from one of the most beautiful strokemakers in the game. The Calypso King Lara. Gill is highly rated but these words are special
— Anurag Rekhi (@Dravidict) December 6, 2023
Yeah he can break. He has to be consistent first.?? pic.twitter.com/F0L4m9LbQR
— Karthik (@vsk_says) December 6, 2023
Shubman didn't have patience
— ANANT ?? (@Akk_vk18) December 6, 2023
It’s difficult to break that record.
— ????? ? ???? (@iamgopi118) December 6, 2023
That's why Brian Lara has no brain???
— ?????????? (@rushiii_12) December 6, 2023
No doubt ?
— Sankott (@Iamsankot) December 6, 2023
He is good but Real test will be on Foreigner Pitch
— Maya – The Untold Story (@mayakistory) December 6, 2023
Future generation ???
— Indian sport action (@sportszone_17) December 6, 2023
