Wiaan Mulder, the South African all-rounder and stand-in skipper in the recently-concluded second Test against Zimbabwe, has stirred the cricketing world after making the bold decision to declare the innings while unbeaten on 367 runs—just 33 runs short of equaling Brian Lara‘s world record of 400 runs. The move has triggered a wave of mixed reactions, dividing fans and former cricketers across the globe. Some see it as a touching tribute to a cricketing great, while others call it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity squandered.

Mulder did open up about the decision, revealing that his immense respect for Lara played a key role, making it clear that his admiration for the West Indian great outweighed personal ambition. Mulder also stated that he wouldn’t hesitate to do the same again if faced with a similar scenario in the future. His comments earned praise from several quarters, with many fans and experts lauding the selflessness and sportsmanship behind the gesture.

Chris Gayle slams Wiaan Mulder for not going after Brian Lara’s world record

Former West Indies superstar Chris Gayle reflected on the rarity and significance of scoring a triple century or more in Test cricket. He emphasized that reaching 400 runs in an innings is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and not something players encounter often. According to him, if he had the chance to achieve that milestone, he would have seized it without hesitation.

“If I could get the chance to get 400, I would get 400. That doesn’t happen often. You don’t know when you’re going to get to a triple century again. Any time you get a chance like that, you try and make the best out of it,” Gayle told talkSPORT.

Gayle suggested that Mulder showed unnecessary generosity by wanting Lara’s record to remain untouched or perhaps panicked under pressure. He questioned the mindset behind such a decision, arguing that chasing records is part of what defines a legendary cricketer.

“But he was so generous and said he wanted the record to stay with Brian Lara. Maybe he panicked, he didn’t know what to do in that situation. Come on, you’re on 367, automatically you have to take a chance at the record. If you want to be a legend, how are you going to become a legend? Records come with being a legend,” added Gayle.

Also READ: Not just Wiaan Mulder – These 2 players too gave up their records to uphold the legend’s greatness

‘It was an error from his side’: Gayle on Mulder

Gayle went on to describe the act of not attempting to reach 400 as a mistake, regardless of whether Mulder would have eventually achieved it or not. He acknowledged that the Proteas star made his choice and explained his reasons, but it was a major missed opportunity. He labeled it as a “once in a lifetime” chance and bluntly tells the “youngster” that he has “blown it big time,” expressing his strong disappointment in a humorous yet pointed manner.

“I think it was an error from his side, not to try and go to get it. We don’t know if he would go on and get it or not. But he declared on 367 and he said what he had to say. But listen, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to get 400 runs in a Test match. Come on, youngster, you’ve blown it big time!,” Gayle added further.

Also READ: ZIM vs SA: Wiaan Mulder reveals why he didn’t break Brian Lara’s 400-run Test record