The sublime form of Virat Kohli may have brought him to the list of the finest batsmen of our times, but it is still too early to compare him with the legend, Sachin Tendulkar. Former legendary South African cricketer Barry Richards has recently stated to the media that the dashing batsman Virat Kohli is definitely one of the best batsmen of the world, but it is completely inappropriate to compare him with the God of Cricket.

Former legendary South African cricketer Barry Richards

Barry Richards is a cricket commentator and former right handed batsman considered to have the immense batting potentials. It was Richards bad luck that brought his fairy tale test career into an emphatic end even before its proper beginning. Yes, Richards was born into a time when South Africa went through the apartheid regime. After his debut test series in 1970, the Proteas were barred from participating in international cricket. Although Richards kept playing in domestic matches but unfortunately he could not play any more international test matches.

What made Barry Richards a legend?

• Barry Richards has played only 4 international tests in his entire career for South Africa. Co-incidentally this was his first and last test series. He amassed a huge 508 runs with 2 centuries and 2 fifties in this series. (Averaging around 73)
• He played for a number of domestic teams including Gloucestershire, Natal, South Australia and many others.
• Richards is hugely admired all over the world for his finest batting technique and expert cricket commentary.
• Sir Donald Bradman considered him as the opener for his dream team.
• Barry Richards has scored more than 28000 runs in his entire first class career with 80 centuries and 152 fifties.

After an isolation of around 22 long years, South Africa were allowed to play international cricket again in 1992. During that time apartheid regime was completely abolished. However, by then Richards already took retirement and aged around 47-year-old. Thus the stunning career of Richards already came to end.

The 69-year-old former cricketer seemed to be heavily impressed with Kohli’s hunger for runs. He opined that Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are the two of the most entertaining cricketers in present times. People would pay money to watch these batsmen playing some elegant knocks.

Richards, one of the greatest openers of all time termed Master Blaster’s shots as the extra-ordinary ones since the iconic batsman could easily hit boundaries even at good balls. The classy legendary batsman explained that although Virat Kohli is poised to score more runs in the near future, but still he needs to work upon his batting skill so as to match with the Tendulkar’s elegance.

The expert commentator also recalled how the master batsman was so fluent in gully and square-leg region. Although, many are saying that Virat Kohli is India’s next Sachin Tendulkar. However, I leave it to the readers to decide that whether they feel the same or not!

Tags: AB de Villiers, Africa, Barry Richards, Cricket, Cricket Commentator, India, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli