Tendulkar can play even till 50: Viv Richards

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS)

West Indies legend Viv Richards Thursday said Sachin Tendulkar can continue playing till the age of 50 and it should be left to the batting great to decide when he wants to retire.

Viv Richards, who is an advisor with the Delhi Daredevils for the Indian Premier League, said one must appreciate what Tendulkar has given to the game and people should stop advising him on when to retire.

“We have to appreciate what he has done for the game. So you don’t go up to him and ask when he is retiring,” said Sir Viv.

“What we see in him (Tendulkar) now is a modern day great and let us appreciate that. Even if he wants to play till 50, he should. I think it should be left to only Tendulkar to take a call on his retirement,” said Viv.

Talking about another great Indian batsman, Virender Sehwag, who was left out of the Champions Trophy probables, Viv said he would always have a destructive batsman like Sehwag in his team.

“It is not my call (Sehwag’s selection). We all know that he is a magnificent player. He must have lost form and it happens to a lot of players. But I will still have Sehwag in my team. Because when he gets going, he will make up for all the losses,” said Viv.

Asked about the bluffing advice he gave to Sehwag, Viv said: “No matter how destructive the player, there are times when things don’t go your way. So why not take the singles and twos. And when you spend more time at the crease you are bound to come good.”

“Look at Chris Gayle, he is playing till the last right from the first ball. And whenever he is there, fielders are guessing when this player is going to go after them.”