Viv flay 'ungrateful' fans for 'crucifying' Sachin

New Delhi, Apr 25 (UNI) Former West Indian legend Sir Vivian Richards has flayed ''ungrateful'' Indian cricket fans for ''crucifying'' master blaster Sachin Tendulkar in the wake of India's flop show in the World Cup.

For the first time in his 17-year-old cricketing career, 34-year-old Tendulkar had to face widespread criticism from every circle, including alleged questions raised by former Team India coach Greg Chappell over his attitude.

But Sir Viv, who has recently expressed his interest in taking up the high profile coaching job of Team India, rubbished such allegations.

''That is where I feel the ungratefulness comes in. I think he (Tendulkar) has been feeling a little bit of that,'' he told CNN-IBN.

''But this is the way it goes. Today they will say you are the best and tomorrow they will crucify you,'' he added.

The former West Indian skipper who is also the biggest admirer of Tendulkar's cricket, was of the view the master blaster's bat is the only weapon to answer all the criticism.

''What it takes to come back is to go out and accomplish a great knock once again. Then they will again say he is the best,'' Richards said.

However, Richards feel that it is just a temporary slump in the great batsman's career and he has the potential to make a strong comeback.

''I hope he can accomplish that. I still believe he has got the capacity to accomplish that. I wish him the very best,'' he said.

The West Indian great had an hour long chat with Tendulkar over phone yesterday and congratulated the Indian batting maestro on his 34th birthday.

UNI