Viv Richards is a famous cricket player from the West Indies. He played in the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his strong batting, he scored many runs. A true sportsman. Loved by fans everywhere.
Biography
| Full Name | Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 7 March 1952 |
| Nationality | Antiguan |
| Career Span | 1974 – 1991 |
| Teams Represented | West Indies cricket team |
| Batting Position | Number three |
| Test Debut | 1974 against India |
| Test Matches | 121 |
| Test Runs | 8,540 |
| Test Batting Average | 50.23 |
| World Cup Wins | 1975, 1979 |
| World Cup Runner-up | 1983 |
| World Series Cricket Runs | 1,281 runs at average over 55 |
| Captaincy Record | Won 27 of 50 Test matches, lost 8 |
| ODI Runs | Nearly 7,000 |
| First-class Cricket Runs | More than 36,000 |
| Major Honors |
|
| Notable Challenges | Eye surgery in 1984 due to pterygium affecting eyesight and reflexes |
| Legacy | Widely regarded as one of the greatest batters of all time; post-war era great along with Sachin Tendulkar |
Early Life
Viv Richards was born in St. John’s, Antigua. His parents were Malcolm and Gretel Richards. He grew up in this small town and went to St. John’s Boys Primary School. From a young age, Viv loved playing cricket. His brothers also played the game, which helped him enjoy it more. Later, he left school to focus on cricket. He stayed in Antigua during his early years before moving to other places for his cricket career. His early life was simple but full of passion for the sport.
Family
| Relation | Name | About |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Malcolm Richards | Malcolm was a good fast bowler in Antigua. He loved cricket and taught Viv when he was young. |
| Mother | Gretel Richards | Gretel cared for the family at home. She helped Viv grow up with strong values. |
| Brother | Mervyn Richards | Mervyn also played cricket. He and Viv shared a close bond and love for the sport. |
| Brother | Donald Richards | Donald was one of Viv’s other brothers. They grew up together in Antigua. |
| Brother | Colin Richards | Colin was another brother. The family was full of energy and good memories. |
| Sister | Daphne Richards | Daphne was Viv’s only sister. She was part of the close family circle. |
Viv Richards grew up in a family with five children. His father, Malcolm, was a strong cricket player and helped Viv learn the game. His mother, Gretel, supported the family and taught good values. Viv had three brothers—Mervyn, Donald, and Colin—and one sister, Daphne. The brothers shared many moments playing and enjoying cricket together. The family lived in Antigua and stayed close through all challenges.
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Bat Weight | Approx. 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg) |
| Age | Born May 7, 1952 |
| Nationality | West Indian (Antigua & Barbuda) |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Viv Richards is currently married to Miriam Richards. They are together and have two children, one of whom is Mali Richards. Mali has also played first-class cricket. Miriam is a private person and not much public information is available about her.
Current Partner
- Name: Miriam Richards
- Relationship: Wife
- Children: Two children, including Mali Richards
Previous Relationships
Before marrying Miriam, Viv Richards had a relationship with Indian actress Neena Gupta. From this relationship, he has a daughter named Masaba Gupta. Masaba is a well-known fashion designer. Viv and Neena’s relationship was important to both of them, with some good and some difficult times.
Summary Of Viv Richards’ Partners
| Partner Name | Relationship | Children | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neena Gupta | Former Partner | Masaba Gupta (Daughter) | Indian actress; Masaba is a fashion designer |
| Miriam Richards | Wife | Two children, including Mali Richards | Married; Mali played first-class cricket |
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Viv Richards is known as one of the greatest cricket players from the West Indies. People remember him for his strong and fearless style of batting. He became famous because he played very well in many important cricket matches during the 1970s and 1980s. His confidence and power made him stand out.
Viv Richards started his cricket career in 1974. He played for the West Indies national team. He was a batsman, which means he was the player who hits the ball to score runs. Over time, he showed great skill and strength. Many fans liked how he played with speed and courage.
Richards helped the West Indies win many matches. He played in both Test matches and One Day Internationals (ODIs). One of his most famous achievements was leading the West Indies team to victory in 27 Test matches. He is also remembered for many centuries (scores of 100 or more runs) in his career.
Throughout his career, Viv Richards won several awards. Some important honors include:
- He was given the title “Sir” for his services to cricket, which means he was knighted.
- He was named one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history by many cricket experts.
- He received awards from cricket organizations and countries for his outstanding performances.
His records still inspire many young cricket players today.
Viv Richards is mostly known for his cricket skills and sportsmanship. However, there were a few moments that created talk among fans and media:
- Some people thought his aggressive style on the field was too strong, and it caused tension with other players.
- He was once involved in a disagreement with the cricket board about team decisions, but it did not last long.
- Off the field, Richards kept a low profile and avoided major controversies.
Overall, his reputation remained good, and he is remembered as a respected player.
Viv Richards became famous for his strong batting and leadership in West Indies cricket. He started his career in 1974 and played many important matches. He earned awards and was knighted for his achievements. While there were small controversies, his career is seen as a great example of talent and passion in cricket.
Faq
Who Is Viv Richards?
Viv Richards is a famous cricket player from the West Indies. He played cricket many years ago and is known for being very good.
When Did Viv Richards Play Cricket?
He played cricket mainly in the 1970s and 1980s. He was one of the best players at that time.
What Made Viv Richards Special?
He was strong and fast when he hit the ball. Many people remember him because he scored a lot of runs.
Did Viv Richards Play In Many Teams?
He mostly played for the West Indies team. But he also played in some other cricket clubs in different countries.
Is Viv Richards Still Involved In Cricket?
Yes, even after he stopped playing, he helped in cricket as a coach and guide for young players.

Mayank Chaudhary is a former Indian domestic cricketer, now working as a cricket analyst. With years of on-field experience and deep insight into the dynamics of the game and the world of cricket betting, he now shares his expertise to help fellow cricket enthusiasts make smarter, more informed bets. Learn more on the About Me page.