“Australians will have to pay a heavy price for the ball tampering controversy. They were found guilty, were caught and there is no way out,” feels the West Indian great Sir Vivian Richards on the current team missing the big names like Steve Smith and David Warner.

Richards was speaking at an interaction on a visit to promote the American University of Anitgua here on Monday.

“This is a great opportunity for India to win the Test series even if they are up against Aussies in the second Test now.

Now or never

“If they don’t grab it now, I doubt whether they will ever do it again,” he said.

“Remember Indians had some greats like Kapil Devs, Gavaskars playing in Australia but never won a Test series. So, I think my favourite Kohli as captain will lead the team to realise that big dream,” Richards said.

“Oh! He (Kohli) continues to be my favourite. I will pay to watch him in action for sure. He is such a little fellow but always punching above his weight.

“A remarkable cricketer who doesn’t show his cheek, very aggressive. And, he will be capping off wonderful times he has been having if he wins the Test series in Australia,” he felt.

On what makes this Indian team different from the previous ones, Richards felt that they are led by example.

“I remember the days when the poor fellows were timid.

“But, not anymore. If you engage them verbally too, they will give back to you. This comes when you have a strong captain and the juniors just follow you,” he explained.

On sledging, the original Master Blaster felt that nothing wrong with it as long it doesn’t get personal and upsets an individual.

““But, I love confrontations in the true spirit. That’s why a strong captain like Virat is needed,” he said.