Viv hopes for West Indies cricket renaissance

New Delhi - Legendary batsman Viv Richards feels it will take some time for West Indies cricket to translate the success of World Twenty20 to Tests and ODIs.

Viv Thursday said it was good that the West Indies got the much needed confidence by winning the World Twenty20 last year and hoped the renaissance in Caribbean cricket can take place.

“We are hoping for a renaissance to happen. The West Indies have got the much needed boost by winning the World Twenty20. They have to take it forward. I feel it will happen gradually and time will only tell,” said Viv, who is here as an advisor for the Delhi Daredevils.

Viv said he was in awe of two West Indians Chris Gayle and Sunil Narine, who are doing exceptionally well in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Royal Challengers’ Gayle recently struck a record unbeaten 66-ball 175 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore while Kolkata Knight Riders‘ off-spinner Narine is the leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets from seven matches.

“I am impressed with the spinners in the IPL. Narine is special. When you look at it, I must say you should have some nerves to be a spinner. I will take my hats off to Narine,” he said.

On Gayle, Richards said: “I doubt whether what he does here (Twenty20) he will repeat in other forms as well. Gayle loves to hit sixes from the first ball but there are times when he waits for a certain period of time before attacking.”

Richards also spoke about aggression in cricket and said it is all about standing your ground.

“I always try to talk to the youngsters and tell them about standing your ground and look into the eyes of the bowler. At the end you have to have your chin up and never back off,” he said.