Sir Viv Richards

The Master Blaster — considered by many the greatest attacking batsman of all time with a Test average of 50.23 in an era without helmets.

Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards was born in St John's, Antigua in 1952 and became the most destructive batsman of his generation — a player whose physical presence, refusal to wear a helmet and contempt for fast bowling at its fastest redefined batting aggression. His Test record: 8,540 runs in 121 matches at 50.23 with 24 centuries. His ODI record: 6,721 runs in 187 matches at 47.00 with 11 centuries. He played county cricket for Somerset (1974–1986) and Glamorgan (1990–1993). He captained the West Indies to the first two Cricket World Cup titles in 1975 and 1979. He captained the West Indies 50 times in Tests. His 189 not out against England at Old Trafford in 1984 — scored without a helmet, on a difficult pitch, against a high-quality attack — is regarded as one of the finest Test innings in history. His fastest ODI century — 56 balls against England in Antigua in 1986 — stood as the record for many years. He was never dismissed hit wicket or timed out in his career. He was knighted in 1999. He was named runner-up to Bradman as Wisden Cricketer of the Century in 2000 — the highest recognition given to any West Indian cricketer in the poll.

Richards was renowned for his aggressive, fearless batting style and ability to dominate bowling attacks through sheer force of personality and stroke-play. He rarely wore a helmet even against the fastest bowlers, relying on quick reflexes and an intimidating presence at the crease. His powerful drives and devastating hooks made him one of the most destructive batsmen in cricket history.

Richards revolutionized batting with his aggressive approach and mental dominance over bowlers, inspiring a generation of players to adopt a more attacking mindset. He remains the benchmark for destructive batting and leadership in limited-overs cricket.

• ICC Cricket World Cup 1975, 1979 (West Indies)
• Wisden Cricketer of Year 1977
• Knighthood 1999
• Fastest ODI century (56 balls, 1986)
• Wisden Player of Century runner-up 2000