An Absolute legend: Sir Viv Richards

Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, aka Vivian Richards or Viv Richards, is a retired cricketer from Antigua, who represented the West Indies Cricket team between year 1974 to 1991. Viv Richards is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.

Sir Vivian Richards is seen as an absolute legend of the game. His batting style was swagger personified and his aggression was completely unmatched. He never wore a helmet while batting, a common site in his era; with his cap on, he would confidently and slowly walk onto the crease, captivating the crowd through his excellent technique and beautiful stroke play.

He was known for his ability to entertain the audience with his gameplay. Bowlers were left helpless when he used to come to bat, and fielders and ball-boys used to run to the fence to fetch the ball celebrating his shots, truly devastating for his opponents.

Sir Viv Richards was an absolute beast on the cricket field. He wasn’t just a slogger but a true master of the gentleman’s game.

With over 8,000 test runs and a 50+ average, including his 24 centuries, his stats show why he is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He made his test debut in India in 1974, which is considered the ultimate game of Cricket; he scored 192 not out in his very second game.

Just two years after his debut, he played an unforgettable innings in 1976, in which he scored 1710 runs with seven centuries in just 11 tests. He also smashed the fastest century in tests in just 56 balls against England in 1986.

Talking about his ODI stats, when he retired from the format, he retired with a 90+ strike rate. He was also a part of the World Cup team when West Indies won in 1975 and 1979. In fact, he hit a century in the 1979 World Cup final to take his team to victory.

Viv Richards wasn’t just an incredible batsman but also an exceptional captain for West Indies. During his era from 1984 to 1991, he captained the team in 50 test matches. In that period, the team never lost a single series.

He also gained immense popularity in Africa for his refusal of a blank cheque to play for the rebel West Indies tour to South Africa during apartheid (1983-84).

Moreover, Viv Richards made his mark in County Cricket when he played for Somerset in England. He became one of four non-English batsmen to smash 100 first-class centuries. His achievements and incredible batting helped him earn a place as one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Century.

Viv Richards has also represented the football team of Antigua and helped in their qualifying matches for the 1974 World Cup. For his relentless services to Cricket, he was also appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Sir Vivian Richards also has a cricket stadium named after him, “Sir Vivian Richards Stadium”, in North Sound, Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda. This stadium honours and acknowledges his achievements in the field of Cricket.

Viv Richards has truly left a legacy that made a remarkable impact in the cricketing world.