NEW DELHI – Former West Indies captain Sir Vivian Richards says it will take some time for the regional side’s success in Twenty20 cricket to be transferred to Tests and One-Day Internationals.
Sir Viv, who is here as an adviser for the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League (IPL), said West Indies got much needed confidence by winning the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka last year and he was hoping 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.”
Sir Viv, who turned 61 last month, said he was impressed with the performances of two West Indians, Chris Gayle and Sunil Narine, who were doing exceptionally well in the IPL.
Gayle struck a record unbeaten 66-ball 175 for Royal Challengers Bangalore a few days ago, 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 hat off to Narine,” he said.
On Gayle, Sir Viv 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.”
Sir Viv’s arrival as adviser to Daredevils inspired them to their first win in the IPL when they defeated Mumbai Indians last Sunday. (CMC)
