Last Updated on 1 hour ago by Charbel Coorey
Sir Garfield Sobers, arguably the greatest cricketer of all time, passed away aged 89 in Barbados. His passing has led to tributes right across the cricketing world, reflective of the profound impact he had on the game of cricket and so many people along the way.
Sobers excelled in all aspects. In 93 Tests, he scored 8,032 runs at a remarkable average of 57.78, with his top score of 365* his maiden Test hundred. He went on to score another 25.
If that wasn’t enough, Sobers took 235 wickets at 34.03. He was incredibly versatile, able to bowl fast-medium with the new ball and two types of spin – finger and wrist. He was also an outstanding fielder.
Overall in First Class cricket, Sobers scored 28,314 runs at 54.87 and took 1,043 wickets at 27.74. Along the way, he became the first player to ever hit six sixes in an over in a First Class match. He achieved the feat while playing for Nottinghamshire in 1968.
“Sir Garfield Sobers has completed his final innings, but his legacy will forever endure in the hearts of our region, and the story of the cricketing world,” wrote Cricket West Indies President Dr. The Hon. Kishore Shallow in a statement.
“On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, the Government and people of Barbados and all those across the world who mourn his passing.”
Cricket legends pay tribute to the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers
The late Don Bradman described him as the greatest cricketer he ever saw. “He was unquestionably the greatest cricketer I ever set eyes on.”
Many others feel the same way.
West Indies legend Brian Lara wrote “our greatest player left us” in a Facebook post. “Rest easy, legend. Your legacy will never be forgotten.”
“There’s no way I could ever think of doing anything that he did, anything as good as he did it. So it was not a matter of inspiring me with my game. I went out there trying to play as best as I can for the West Indies. I didn’t think about Garry Sobers when I was out there. I couldn’t match anything he did. So that’s a different story altogether,” said Michael Holding to The New Indian Express.
Sachin Tendulkar also shared a lovely tribute. The India legend looked back on his interactions with Sobers, including at the 2003 World Cup.
“It’s incredibly tough to process that Sir Garry is gone. I’ve been looking back at the memories we shared over the years, from him handing me the Player of the Tournament trophy at the 2003 World Cup, to his warm words when he felicitated me for the century milestone. He was always so exceptionally gracious,” Tendulkar wrote on Instagram.
Sunil Gavaskar described this as “probably the saddest day for the game of cricket. The greatest cricketer to ever walk the earth has left us. No words can ever do justice to Sir Garfield Sobers the cricketer.
“He was everything we dream of becoming when we pick up the bat or the ball as kids.”
Here are some other reactions and tributes from cricketers past and present.
Fans and pundits share their tributes to Sir Garfield Sobers, “the greatest”
Fans and pundits took to social media to share their tributes for the great all-rounder.
