Kolkata: The entire nation might be celebrating Sachin Tendulkar's upcoming farewell series but former West Indies captain and team's cricket manager Richie Richardson had a word of caution for the hosts stating that the Caribbeans are here to “play hard cricket”.
“We're happy to be here and celebrate Sachin Tendulkar's farewell series but we're here to play hard cricket. We would be very competitive,” Richardson told reporters during an informal interaction.
Heaping praise on Tendulkar, Richarson said: “He's second to none. The appetite he has shown for scoring runs is really remarkable. His desire and dedication to play the game... It's difficult to put it in words.”
Just like a lot of other cricketers, Richardson termed Tendulkar's humility as his most endearing quality.
“Normally, if a person becomes famous, his attitude changes but Tendulkar has remained humble. This is the greatest quality in him. People will always love him.”
Although Indian batsmen have been in red hot form during the just-concluded ODI series against Australia, the veteran of 86 Tests and 224 ODIs said that it won't be very easy for Virat Kohli and Co.
“I know that they are in good form but Test cricket is a different ball game altogether.”
Richardson however said India would not be under any kind of pressure despite the hype around the two-Test matches.
“The atmosphere is really amazing but having said that once a player steps on the grass, we're all at the same level. So, I don't think they were under any kind of pressure.”
Asked about the pitch, Richardson said, “It looks firm to me but it would turn during the last couple of days like a typical Indian wicket.”
