The current Indian team fears no one, suggests Sir Viv Richards

12/18/2018

Sir Viv Richards offered his support to a disappointed Indian team after the loss in Perth stating that the current squad is a fearless group of individuals led by the magnificent Virat Kohli. Richards further added that Kohli is a player who will not shy away from a fight, much like himself.

West Indies great, Sir Viv Richards, is one of the most successful Test captains in cricket and was a well-revered figure during his cricketing days. The Antiguan cricketer was a feared character amongst his other international colleagues due to his fearless persona on and off the pitch.

In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, the 66-year old legend revealed that he saw a lot of himself in Indian captain - Virat Kohli. Richards also added that under Kohli’s leadership, the Indian team has transformed into a fearless group of players who play each match with nothing on their mind, except winning.

"He's (Kohli) got a great opportunity. It's for him to just cap off a magnificent time from where he started and where's he at now. You had people like the Kapil Devs and Sunny Gavaskars who went to Australia and never got it done in terms of winning. This team, Virat's team, has a great opportunity - even though they may be up against it in the second Test. If you don't grab it now, I don't see it coming again.

"Virat is that small guy. But he punches above his weight, big time. He's unlike the way the Australians behave, this aggressive attitude. Virat gives it back and I like it. You cannot turn the cheek every time. I'm not the guy who turned my cheek. I'm going to stand up and fight. And Virat is doing that. The Indian team today, they fear no one. In those days, those guys were a little timid. Things have changed now," Richards told Cricbuzz.

Off late, the 30-year old Indian captain has been criticised for his on-field antics which included a minor confrontation with Tim Paine during the second Test match at Perth. However, Richards revealed that on-field banter was something that has always been a part of cricket and must be taken in good stead.

"When you say the wrong things, that's not good. There are times when you say things to upset the opposition, which is part of sport. But when you start getting personal, it's never good. I don't know about sledging, but I love confrontation. And Virat looks like he loves to be in a confrontation. When you have a strong captain, and the juniors don't follow, then something is wrong. The Indian team is much more aggressive today," Richards added.

The current Indian team fears no one, suggests Sir Viv Richards

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