Brendon McCullum names Viv Richards as his all time favorite player

New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum who is all set to play his 101st and the last Test of his career against Australia at Christchurch ahead of the game said that West Indies legend Vivian Richards is his all time favourite player.

“My favourite West Indies player of all time has to be Sir Viv Richards. He was the leader of cricket right around the world throughout his time; his charisma, the way he carried himself, the way he led his team and obviously the way that he played as well,” McCullum was quoted saying.

“He wasn’t just one of my favourite West Indies players; he was one of my favourite players of all time as well. I had the opportunity to meet him not long ago. Sometimes it’s dangerous to meet your heroes, but not on this occasion. It was a really cool moment, and what a guy he is as well.”

McCullum who has been better known for his limited-overs exploits was picked by the Trinbago Knight Riders, the team co-owned by IPL team owner and Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan for the upcoming season of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

On his participation in the CPL, the New Zealander said, “I’m super excited to be featuring in this edition of the 2016 CPL. It’s really special to be playing in the Caribbean; the fan engagement and carnival atmosphere is something I’ve heard a lot from a lot of players around the world,”

“My favourite memories of playing in the West Indies are in touring around some of the boutique grounds I’ve been involved in. I guess there are the cultural aspects of the Caribbean (as well), and just getting to meet some of the great people over there.”

Brendon McCullum in his career played 71 T20Is and scored 2140 runs, his best score is 123 that he scored against Bangladesh in the World T20 2012 at Pallekele.