Former West Indies manager Omar Khan is urging new man Richie Richardson to gain the players’ trust and confidence.
Richardson, the former West Indies middle order batsman was named manager of the team on Saturday. The 49-year-old, who played 86 Tests and 224 One-Day Internationals, has signed a two-year contract and will begin his duties on the three-match ODI tour of Sri Lanka later this month.
He replaces fast bowling legend Joel Garner who has managed the side since the tour of Australia in late 2009. Khan said Richardson must understand managing the West Indies cricket team is not easy. With all involved in managing these days, he will be required to come up with new concepts and ideas.
“He needs to bring the players and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) closer and the only way to do this is by earning trust. He is a former Test player so he will have a feel for what is required.
“Richie would know the importance of have a team that is well moulded going out there to battle. He needs to bring the players together under one belief and work on the mental side of their game.”
Khan noted that Richardson was a successful player and he spent most of his career on a winning team. “He knows what it takes to win and this is an advantage.
“I don’t know much about his management skills but I do know that he is approachable and this is so important when it comes to being a successful manager.
Khan has since returned to Trinidad and is currently the manager of the T&T cricket team taking part in the regional T20 cricket series.