Exclusive: Our Players have Potential, up to them to turn Windies Cricket around: Viv Richards

Sir-Viv-Richards
Sir Viv Richards is hopeful of the current generation of West Indies cricketers. Image Source: Xtra Time

Viv Richards – a Candid Interview as Cricketer and Father

Debasis Sen, Gros Islet: West Indies cricket legend Sir Viv Richards, feels the current generation of cricketers have the potentiality to turn things around. According to Sir Viv, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the players need to have the right kind of attitude to bring back the glory which was once associated to Windies cricket. The legendary cricketer was in a relaxed mood at the Darren Sammy Stadium on Wednesday, as incessant rains washed away any hope of play on the third day of the 3rd test match here. In a candid interview to Xtratime, where the former legend spoke about the current Windies team, its golden past, modern bats and size of boundaries, his friendship with Sir Ian Botham and the proud feeling for her daughter Masaba.

Here are few excerpts from the Interview with the Legend:

What has been the main reason for the decline of West Indies cricket?

Man, that’s a tough question. You have to ask the folks who are in charge of West Indies cricket. But I guess we had lost focus and specially, did not utilize the individuals who had success in the past. I guess that may be one of the reasons.

What is your assessment about this current team?

We do have some substance here. It hasn’t clicked like the way we would have like to be. We did not get the same success as we got in the past. May be the decline that we have seen at the test match level, but one’s got to remember we are the T20 champions at three levels. Let’s not forget that. I think the things that we are struggling in with at present are the fact that we haven’t quite played well in the fifty over stuff and also at the test matches. But I do believe we have the substance in terms of the players. If we do make the necessary progress in order to turn the West Indies cricket around, it’s up to the young players who I believe they have the potential. Especially the way they played in Jamaica give me hope of turning it around.

Sir, why is there a dearth of fast bowlers now compared to the golden times ( pace quartet of Holding, Croft, Roberts and Garner)?

Well nothing lasts forever and one got to realize we had a great period. Now with the young Alzarri, Cummins and so many other young guys who are waiting to be given an opportunity and I guess with the right sort of guidance we will be back again. We have individuals who want to play for their country, individuals wants to represent West Indies and all parts of the region well. When we can find that common belief that we are good enough to accomplish that I think we will be there again. May be it is taking a longer than we expected but time will tell. We have to see how the future holds.

ICC is mulling the idea of having a two tier test. What are your thoughts on the new system?

The two tier system I am not quite sure on exactly how it will work. But if I know for some reason that they have in mind that West Indies would be in second tier because I did hear talk about that. If that’s the case then I may have a comment or two later on as that progress.

Talking about the bats these days, a miss hit from a batsman goes over the boundary.& What are your thoughts on the modern bats being used?

Let the ICC make a rule that the boundary should be a particular size. Sometimes it looks like a benefit game with the ball just flying all over the ground. I think it’s a little unfair on the bowlers behalf that they should be given an equal opportunity as well. Especially when a guy makes a miscue and it goes over 75 yards or 80 yards then it makes a sense. I did make a suggestion to have bigger boundaries or at least to have a certain zone when the ball goes to give the batsman 8 runs. This will mean a bonus of two runs for sending the ball that distance.

Is too much of T20 cricket affecting test cricket?

It may affect a few but if I can draw on the fact that you have your captain ViratKohli has made use of all versions and has been successful. We look at AB de Villiers who also have done well in all formats. So it means making that adjustment and making it as quickly as possible. David Warner should also fall in that same category. So, it can be achieved where you can still be a multiple player in all this various formats and yet still be successful.

Yes kids do learn a lot of that unorthodox stuff from an early age watching T20 cricket. If they can smack to all parts that will give them a great platform for greater things if they want to achieve that.

Recently Kapil Dev said Virat will break the record of scoring 400 runs in tests. Can Virat go on to break all records in cricket?

What I can say is never say never as all things are possible when you are competing. Who would have ever felt that West Indies would have drawn the second test at Sabina Park. There were guys sitting next to me said that the match might get over by lunch time. But it’s amazing when you doubt the things can be turned up. So it is never beyond a talented individual like ViratKohli for him to accomplish that feat or even more.

Cricketers do have superstition but tell us why you always chewed gums while batting?

When you are out there you are against eleven guys. So your chewing gum and your partner – we were threesome. Ha haha ha…………

Talk us about the innings of 291 that you played against England

That was another extension I would say. West Indies already had great players who played in England-the Worrells, the Walcott’s; all these guys had tremendous achievements in England. I used to look up to people like Wes Hall. So it was just an extension the way I look at the cricket that we played for West Indies itself. And I am certain in whatever department you had whether it’s soccer or not that we are passing through as sports people. And it’s up to you to make sure that you hand the baton to that individual. When he holds it, if he doesn’t drop it makes sure that we are going to win. And that’s what it is all about. So they passed the baton from Leary Constantine. I am an individual who always remembers the past on order for me to represent the present. My past was of vital importance. The Constantine’s, the 3 W’s paved the way for us to deliver. So this is why we are hoping that the future West Indies players pass the baton and whoever that holds it will run for their life

Cricket world has seen many friendships but none could be compared to the one you shared with Sir Ian Botham. Do you still share the same friendship?

We stayed at a flat for 12 years during our playing days in Somerset and look at ourselves as ebony and ivory together in perfect harmony. I just want to say one thing about Ian, when I first went to England because of the way he embraced me, that friendship was everlasting. He made me feel at ease as I was new.

How does it feel like a father to see your daughter Masaba doing so well in the fashion industry?

Oh, it was great when I was there for her first show in Lakme Fashion Week. She invited me to Mumbai to watch her first show. It almost brought tears to my eyes. I was very happy for her you know.