India can enter ‘great category’ if they succeed overseas says Sir Viv Richards

The last series against Australia was one of the toughest encounters: Richards.

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Former West Indian cricketer Vivian Richards during an Interview. (Photo by Virendra Singh Gosain/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

Legendary West Indian batsman, Sir Vivian Richards believes that after defeating teams like Australia, England and South Africa in their own backyard, Virat Kohli & co. will make an entry into the ‘Great category’. Vivian himself was a part of the great team which conquered the world during the 70s and the 80s. Clive Llyod’s team went on to win two world cups during the golden period of West Indies cricket.

Ricky Ponting’s Australian team during the first decade of the millennium may also be termed as great. The Australians won three consecutive World Cups during the late 90s and the early 2000’s. The Antiguan believed the next set of challenges for the Indians is to replicate their world domination overseas.

In an interview with PTI in Mumbai, the flamboyant batsman stated,”I think the next level for him (Kohli) and the team after such success, the teams that you need to encounter overseas, would be Australia and England. And if you can do what you have done here…(then) Indian team will be getting (into the) great category”

While praising the effort of the Indians, he further added, “It’s (recent home season) has been very good, it’s a formidable record they have set. The last series against Australia was one of the toughest encounters….they (India) came through. It was a remarkable achievement.”

The West Indian also supported Virat’s brand of cricket which he brings into the field, “As an individual who likes to see class, not just batting, I like his (Virat’s) aggression as a captain. He is going to defend his players at every opportunity and I see nothing wrong in that. India must be blessed to have such an individual who is capable of delivering so much, he defends his team every time and that to me is very special” he further added while advocating his aggressive instincts.

Richards believes that there exist a line between sledging and racism and as long as the conduct is maintained, there’s no harm in a confrontation. “You get a lot…and you give us as much as you get. I see nothing wrong with confrontational side (of sledging). (But) If someone starts playing the race card, about someone’s color of skin, (then) that is rubbish in my opinion” quoting the Antiguan.

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