Often considered a gentleman’s game, cricket has a rich legacy and a worldwide following that cuts across cultural boundaries. Over the years, this game has produced several names that have taken its legacy to a whole different level. Their contribution to the game is immense and enough to land them the title of “Godfather of Cricket”.
Although there is no one clear “Godfather,” several cricketing legends have done enough to get closer to this coveted title. Looking back their achievements, impact, and contributions to Cricket, this post explores the top five names that might be regarded as the Godfathers of the cricket.
1. Sir Donald Bradman: The Invincible Don
Often considered as the best cricket player of all time, Sir Donald Bradman, sometimes known as “The Don,” has unmatched batting average. Considered among the most legendary names in sports history, his career Test batting average of 99.94 is still unparalleled.
Given Bradman’s closest rival is far behind, his achievement is remarkable enough to earn him the title- Godfather of the Cricket. In one of its post, ICC has even approved Don bradman as one of the greatest ever cricketer.
Interesting facts:
- Sir Don Bradman was known for his outstanding consistency. Among the 52 Test matches he played in, he scored 29 centuries—two triple centuries among other achievements. Both fans and fellow players greatly respect him for his constant performance at the best level.
- Bradman served in the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Army, so interrupting his cricket career at times. He went back to the game after the interruption and kept ruling the cricketing world.
- Though Bradman is an Australian icon, his impact on the game was international. He was instrumental in making Australia a major name in cricket and motivated countless generations of players all around.
- Bradman was a national hero for Australia, not only a cricketer. His performances cheered the people of a country battling World War II and the Great Depression.
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 52 | 80 | 10 | 6996 | 334 | 99.94 | 9798 | 71.4 | 29 | 12 | 13 | 681 | 6 |
2. Sir Garfield Sobers: The Perfect All-Rounder
Considered as the best all-rounder in cricket history and even the godfather of cricket , Sir Garfield Sobers is a name that needs no introduction. He distinguishes himself from his fellow players by being outstanding in all aspects of the game—batting, bowling, and fielding.
Sobers is a flexible and erratic bowler having the ability to bowl left-arm fast-medium, left-arm orthodox spin, and left-arm wrist spin.
Interesting Facts
- In first-class cricket, Sobers became the first player to strike six sixes in an over in 1968. This amazing feat confirmed his reputation as a cricketing hero and was evidence of his power-hitting ability.
- Sobers was the first player to reach 8,000 runs in Test cricket, a record that he held for several years. His 57.78 career average ranks him among the best batsmen of all time.
- Sobers was also the West Indies captain and renowned for his inspirational leadership and tactical sense. The West Indies grew to be a strong international cricket team under his captaincy.
- Beyond cricket, Sobers has been acknowledged for his social services. Having been knighted in 1975, he has since participated in a number of charitable projects, returning the favor to the community using his popularity.
Batting Stats
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 93 | 160 | 21 | 8032 | 365 | 57.78 | 3867 | 0.0 | 26 | 2 | 30 | 719 | 32 |
| ODI | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 6 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling Stats
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 93 | 159 | 20597 | 7999 | 235 | 6/73 | 8/80 | 2.33 | 34.04 | 87.65 | 6 | 0 |
| ODI | 1 | 1 | 63 | 31 | 1 | 1/31 | 1/31 | 2.95 | 31.0 | 63.0 | 0 | 0 |
3. Sachin Tendulkar: Our very own Little Master
Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted for India at the age of sixteen, is among the youngest cricket players to have ever played international cricket. Not just cricket experts, but numerous fellow players of his era or even past era consider him to be the best ever player in the history of the game or even the God of cricket.
Interesting Facts
- Tendulkar is the first player to reach 200 runs in an ODI, the first to score 100 international centuries, and the highest run-scorer in both Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket among other cricket records.
- He is regarded as a national hero and is mostly responsible for bringing cricket to India popularly. Millions of cricket-loving people still feel joyous over his performances, and many young players were motivated to pick up the game simply due to hi
- Following several near misses, Tendulkar realized his lifetime ambition of winning the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011. His contributions throughout the tournament were crucial for India’s triumph, and the victory was seen as appropriate homage to his remarkable career.
- Off the pitch, Tendulkar has participated in a number of humanitarian endeavours. Having been nominated to the Indian Parliament, he has made use of his position to promote social concerns including healthcare and education.
Batting Stats
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 200 | 329 | 33 | 15921 | 248 | 53.79 | 29437 | 54.08 | 51 | 6 | 68 | 2058 | 69 |
| ODI | 463 | 452 | 41 | 18426 | 200 | 44.83 | 21367 | 86.24 | 49 | 1 | 96 | 2016 | 195 |
| T20I | 1 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 10.0 | 12 | 83.33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| IPL | 78 | 78 | 9 | 2334 | 100 | 33.83 | 1948 | 119.82 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 295 | 29 |
Bowling Stats
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 200 | 145 | 4240 | 2492 | 46 | 3/10 | 3/14 | 3.53 | 54.17 | 92.17 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 463 | 270 | 8054 | 6850 | 154 | 5/32 | 5/32 | 5.1 | 44.48 | 52.3 | 2 | 0 |
| T20I | 1 | 1 | 15 | 12 | 1 | 1/12 | 1/12 | 4.8 | 12.0 | 15.0 | 0 | 0 |
| IPL | 78 | 4 | 36 | 58 | 0 | 0/7 | 0/7 | 9.67 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
4. Sir Viv Richards: Master Blaster
Known as the “Master Blaster,” Sir Vivian Richards was among the most powerful and destructive batsman in cricket history. Especially in the limited-overs game, his aggressive approach of play transformed the overall style of cricket in that era.
Interesting Facts
- Richards captained the West Indies during one of their most successful eras in cricket history. The West Indies stayed unbeaten in Test series for 15 years under his leadership, a record that speaks volumes about his impact as a leader.
- Richards was a unique cricket player with confidence that scared bowlers and won over supporters. Even against the fastest bowlers, he never wore a helmet, so reflecting his fearless attitude to the game.
- Viv was a Caribbean cultural icon rather than only a cricket player. The West Indies took great satisfaction in his on-field performance, and he is still among the most admired person in the country.
- Richards was instrumental in the West Indies’ 1975 and 1979 world cup victories. Considered one of the best World Cup performances of all time, his innings of 138 runs in the 1979 final saw his team taking the title home.
Batting Stats
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 121 | 182 | 12 | 8540 | 291 | 50.24 | 9922 | 86.07 | 24 | 3 | 45 | 1051 | 84 |
| ODI | 187 | 167 | 24 | 6721 | 189 | 47.0 | 7451 | 90.2 | 11 | 0 | 45 | 600 | 126 |
Bowling Stats
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 121 | 103 | 5136 | 1964 | 32 | 2/17 | 3/51 | 2.29 | 61.38 | 160.5 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 187 | 131 | 5640 | 4228 | 118 | 6/41 | 6/41 | 4.5 | 35.83 | 47.8 | 2 | 0 |
5. Sir Jack Hobbs: The Master
Considered as one of the best opening batsmen in cricket history, Sir Jack Hobbs, sometimes known as “The Master” is one of the most prolific players in the game’s history. Talking of first-class cricket, he set a record 61,760 runs including 199 centuries, which still stands strong.
Interesting Facts:
- Given the physical demands of the game, Hobbs’s 30-year career is quite amazing. At 47, he participated in his last Test match, hence he is the oldest player to score a test century.
- With Herbert Sutcliffe, Hobbs created one of the most effective opening partnerships in cricket history. Especially in the Ashes series against Australia, the pair was crucial in England’s early 20th century supremacy.
- Hobbs was the first professional cricketer to be knighted, a distinction acknowledging his extraordinary contributions to the game. His 1953 knighthood was evidence of his influence on the game and his reputation as a cricketing master.
- Generations of cricketers were inspired by Hobbs’s style and batting approach. His adaptability to various situations and thorough preparation set new benchmarks for sportsmen’ professionalism.
Batting Stats
| M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 61 | 102 | 7 | 5410 | 211 | 56.95 | 5449 | 99.28 | 15 | 1 | 28 | 316 | 8 |
Bowling Stats
| M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 61 | 11 | 366 | 165 | 1 | 1/19 | 1/30 | 2.7 | 165.0 | 366.0 | 0 | 0 |
Final words
The title of the “Godfather of Cricket” is not easily assigned to any player since many legends have shaped the game and each one has added special contribution to its rich legacy. Still, the name mentioned in the list truly achieved enough to get honored with this title and beyond that.
