Gavaskar names the current batsman who bats exactly like Viv Richards

There was only one thing almost all cricket fans from the ’70s and ’80s used to say in unison. You could see a new Gavaskar or even a new Don Bradman in the future, but you will never see a new Viv Richards, this was what they would say, such was the swagger of the master blaster from Antigua. But in his latest interview Richard’s contemporary and former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar revealed that he sees a shade of Viv Richards in the current Indian captain Virat Kohli.

 Virat Kohli is the new ‘Viv Richards’

 Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was involved in a show in star sports where he revealed that watching Virat reminded him of the golden days of Sir Viv Richards. He added that there was no doubt in the fact that Virat is the number one batsman in the world and went onto praise the Indian captain’s technique and its similarity with that of Viv Richards.

“It was very difficult to keep Viv Richards quiet when he was at the crease. Similarly, if you look at Virat Kohli’s batting today, in the same ball and same line, he will use his top hand and score a boundary towards the extra cover region and will use the bottom hand and score a boundary towards the mid-on and mid-wicket region,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports’ show ‘Winning the Cup – 1983’.

“That’s why Virat Kohli is considered as the No. 1 player because he bats exactly like Viv Richards. Earlier, Gundappa Vishwanath, VVS Laxman used to bat like this” he added.

The dominance of Viv Richards and Virat Kohli

Sir Viv Richards has to be the most intimidating batsman that has ever played the game.  You knew you were in for something when he came out to bat. With his magnetic presence and enormous talent, he instilled a sense of self-belief in every team he played for.

The same is the case with Virat. He had been the pillar of the Indian team for almost a decade now. He, not just scores runs for his side but instills a certain amount of fear with his presence on the field.

Even the great Viv Richards himself on various occasions has mentioned that he sees a bit of himself in Virat Kohli. Both of them share a great deal of admiration for each other as well.

“I see that little similarity in you and that same passion in you,” said Richards as Kohli had his moment, “There are times when folks would look at us and say, ‘Wow why are they so angry?” Viv said to Kohli when they met in West Indies in 2019.

For more cricket news, click here.