Richards eager to contribute to Daredevils

New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) Former West Indian batting great Viv Richards is hopeful that Delhi Daredevils will be able to arrest their slide in the ongoing sixth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).

Richards Saturday joined the Delhi outfit as an advisor and is keen to contribute towards changing the team's fortunes. Delhi have lost their first six matches of the competition in contrast to their performance last season where they led the points table for a major part of the tournament.

"It is important to keep the faith and be solid in mind. I marvel at the talent in the dressing room. I am sure things are going to get better for them soon," Richards said before the start of Delhi's match against Mumbai Indians at the Ferozeshah Kotla here Sunday.

"I know the team has plenty of players of proven quality and I will try to make an impact over the next few days."

IPL is home to many Caribbean cricketers and Richards was happy about their presence in the cash-rich league.

"I am happy with what's happening with West Indies cricket. Guys like Chris Gayle, Keiron Pollard and Dwayne Smith are doing really well here," he said.

Interestingly, it was at the Kotla where Richards scored his first Test hundred. "Love this part of the world," he said.

The towering personality interacted with players from either side and it did not take long before Sachin Tendulkar and Richards struck a warm conversation before the match started.