As a Cricket Fan, there is a whole lot of debate when it comes to name the Best Cricketer of World. Some say A and for some it’s B. Well, it all depends on the nature of the player’s gameplay. Moreover, the tag of “GodFather of Cricket” is given to players who have contributed the most to the game and have also changed the overall look of the Sports. So, if interested to know Who is the Godfather of Cricket? Go through the article for in-depth information.
What do you mean by “Godfather of Cricket”?
The Term “Godfather of Cricket” is often used to refer to the cricketers who have immense contributions to the game and the status as a Cricketing Icons. The term is generally referred to someone who has a lot of influence on the game, often through their achievement and contribution. The title implies that the player has played an important role in shaping the future of Cricket. Now, Virat Kohli is Not considered as Godfather of Cricket. He is said to be King of Cricketing ground and the Greatest Cricket Player of All Time(G.O.A.T).
Who is the Godfather of Cricket?
Now, there is not a specific Godfather of Cricket, but the tag has a long lasting list. So, let’s have a look at the cricketers who are said to be in line for the Greatest Cricketer.
William Gilbert Grace
William Gilbert Grace commonly known as W.G. Grace was a pioneering figure in the History of Cricket. He is often regarded as one of the Greatest Cricketers of all time. Grace was born on 18 July 1848, Downend, England and his career spanned from 1865 – 1908.
- He was remarked as an all rounder excelling Batsman, Bowler and Wicket Keeper.
- He is particularly famous for his batting achievement being one of the first players to score over 100 first class centuries.
Batting Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Tests | 22 | 36 | 2 | 1098 | 170 | 32.29 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 39 | 0 | 22 | 36 | 2 |
| FC | 870 | 1478 | 104 | 54211 | 344 | 39.45 | 124 | 251 | – | 876 | 5 | 870 | 1478 | 104 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Tests | 22 | 13 | 666 | 236 | 9 | 2/12 | 3/68 | 26.22 | 2.12 | 74 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 870 | – | 124831 | 50980 | 2809 | 10/49 | – | 18.14 | 2.45 | 44.4 | – | 240 | 64 |
Sir Donald Bradman
Sir Donald Bradman is often referred to as “The Don” of the Cricketing World. He is widely considered as the Greatest Batsman in the History of Cricket. Born on 27 August 1908, in Cootamundra and his cricketing career spans from 1928 to 1948.
- Don Bradman is renowned for his batting average of 99.94 in Test Matches, a record that is unmatched and it is one of most iconic stats in Sports.
- He has scored 29 Centuries and was also a respected captain who contributed significantly to the game development.
Batting Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Tests | 52 | 80 | 10 | 6996 | 334 | 99.94 | 29 | 13 | 6 | 32 | 0 | 52 | 80 | 10 |
| FC | 234 | 338 | 43 | 28067 | 452* | 95.14 | 117 | 69 | – | 131 | 1 | 234 | 338 | 43 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Tests | 52 | 9 | 160 | 72 | 2 | 1/8 | 1/15 | 36 | 2.69 | 80 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 234 | – | 2114 | 1367 | 36 | 3/35 | – | 37.97 | 3.87 | 58.7 | – | 0 | 0 |
Sir Viv Richards
Sir Viv Richard is another cricketing legend from West Indies, known for his explosive batting style and charismatic presence on the field. He was born on 7 March 1952 in Antigua and had played International cricket from 1974 – 1991. Moreover, as known to all he is regarded as one of the greatest Batsmen in the History of the Game.
- Viv Richards had scored over 8,000 runs in Test, 6,700+ in ODI with a high number of Centuries.
- He was also one of the Great West Indies captains leading the team to several Victories. Moreover, still he is considered as the best Batsman of World Cricket.
Batting Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Tests | 121 | 182 | 12 | 8540 | 291 | 50.23 | – | – | 24 | 45 | 84 | 122 | 0 | 121 |
| ODIs | 187 | 167 | 24 | 6721 | 189* | 47 | 7451 | 90.2 | 11 | 45 | – | 100 | 0 | 187 |
| FC | 507 | 796 | 63 | 36212 | 322 | 49.4 | – | – | 114 | 162 | – | 464 | 1 | 507 |
| List A | 500 | 466 | 61 | 16995 | 189* | 41.96 | – | – | 26 | 109 | – | 238 | 0 | 500 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Tests | 121 | 103 | 5170 | 1964 | 32 | 2/17 | 3/51 | 61.37 | 2.27 | 161.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 187 | 131 | 5644 | 4228 | 118 | 6/41 | 6/41 | 35.83 | 4.49 | 47.8 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| FC | 507 | – | 23220 | 10070 | 223 | 5/88 | – | 45.15 | 2.6 | 104.1 | – | 1 | 0 |
| List A | 500 | – | 12214 | 8872 | 290 | 6/24 | 6/24 | 30.59 | 4.35 | 42.1 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
Sir Garfield Sobers
Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indian Cricketer is often hailed as one of the greatest All rounder in the History of Cricketer. He was born on 28 July 1936 in Barbados and had an incredible career that spanned from 1954 to 1974.
- He was the first player to score 365* in a Test Match.
- He was known for his exceptional batting skills, being able to score runs with elegance and power. He also excelled as a bowler bowling both fast and spin at a time.
Batting Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Tests | 93 | 160 | 21 | 8032 | 365* | 57.78 | – | – | 26 | 30 | – | – | 109 | 0 |
| ODIs | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| FC | 383 | 609 | 93 | 28314 | 365* | 54.87 | – | – | 86 | 121 | – | – | 407 | 0 |
| List A | 95 | 92 | 21 | 2721 | 116* | 38.32 | – | – | 1 | 18 | – | – | 41 | 0 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Tests | 93 | 159 | 21599 | 7999 | 235 | 6/73 | 8/80 | 34.03 | 2.22 | 91.9 | 8 | 6 | 0 |
| ODIs | 1 | 1 | 63 | 31 | 1 | 1/31 | 1/31 | 31 | 2.95 | 63 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 383 | – | 70789 | 28941 | 1043 | 9/49 | – | 27.74 | 2.45 | 67.8 | – | 36 | 1 |
| List A | 95 | – | 4387 | 2393 | 109 | 5/43 | 5/43 | 21.95 | 3.27 | 40.2 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Sir Jack Hobbs
Sir Jack Hobbs was a legendary English Cricketer widely known as “The Master” and one of the Best Openers in the History of the Game. He was born on 16 December 1882 and played for England and was also a prominent figure during the Early 20th century.
- He was known for his exceptional technique and consistency, scoring over 61000 runs in First Class cricket.
- He had scored 199 centuries in first class cricket as he used to play for Surrey County Cricket Club and represented England in Test Cricket on the International stage.
Batting Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | 100s | 50s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Tests | 61 | 102 | 7 | 5410 | 211 | 56.94 | 15 | 28 | 8 | 17 | 0 |
| FC | 834 | 1325 | 107 | 61760 | 316* | 50.7 | 199 | 273 | – | 342 | 0 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Tests | 61 | 11 | 376 | 165 | 1 | 1/19 | 1/30 | 165 | 2.63 | 376 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 834 | – | 5217 | 2704 | 108 | 7/56 | – | 25.03 | 3.1 | 48.3 | – | 3 | 0 |
Shane Warne
Shane Warne was an Iconic Australian cricketer, idly regarded as one of the greatest Spin Bowlers in the history of Cricket. Warne was born on 13 September 1969 Ferntree Gully, Victoria. His ability to spin the ball and deceive the batsman made him a formidable opponent.
- Warne is known for his exceptional; Leg spin bowling which included a variety of deliveries such as “Ball of the Century”. The stunning delivery to Mike Gattiong in 1993 that sharply turned and clean bowled the batsman.
- He took over 700 Test Wickets, making him one of the highest wicket takers in the format.
- Sadly, he passed away on 04 March 2022, but his legacy as true sports ambassador lives on.
Batting Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Tests | 145 | 199 | 17 | 3154 | 99 | 17.32 | 5470 | 57.65 | 0 | 12 | 353 | 37 | 125 | 0 |
| ODIs | 194 | 107 | 29 | 1018 | 55 | 13.05 | 1413 | 72.04 | 0 | 1 | 60 | 13 | 80 | 0 |
| FC | 301 | 404 | 48 | 6919 | 107* | 19.43 | – | – | 2 | 26 | – | – | 264 | 0 |
| List A | 311 | 200 | 41 | 1879 | 55 | 11.81 | – | – | 0 | 1 | – | – | 126 | 0 |
| T20s | 73 | 32 | 10 | 210 | 34* | 9.54 | 228 | 92.1 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 7 | 18 | 0 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Tests | 145 | 273 | 40705 | 17995 | 708 | 8/71 | 12/128 | 25.41 | 2.65 | 57.4 | 48 | 37 | 10 |
| ODIs | 194 | 191 | 10642 | 7541 | 293 | 5/33 | 5/33 | 25.73 | 4.25 | 36.3 | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| FC | 301 | – | 74830 | 34449 | 1319 | 8/71 | – | 26.11 | 2.76 | 56.7 | – | 69 | 12 |
| List A | 311 | – | 16419 | 11642 | 473 | 6/42 | 6/42 | 24.61 | 4.25 | 34.7 | 20 | 3 | 0 |
| T20s | 73 | 71 | 1548 | 1863 | 70 | 4/21 | 4/21 | 26.61 | 7.22 | 22.1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is often hailed as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. He was born on 24 April 1973 in Mumbai and is well known for his extraordinary batting skills. The “God of Cricket” has set numerous records throughout his career. Moreover, Tendulkar made his international debut for India at age of 16 and went on to have a remarkable career that spanned for over 24 Years.
- He is the only Cricketer to have scored 100 International Centuries, which is a testament to his consistency and longevity in the game.
- He holds the record for most runs in Test and One Day International with over 34,000 runs combined.
- His playing style combined with technical proficiency and wide array of shorts made him the cricketing figure of the whole nation.
- Well, his contribution to cricket extends beyond the ground. He has inspired generations of cricketers and fan’s all around the world especially India.
- He retired from cricket in 2013 and has been awarded with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
Batting Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Tests | 200 | 329 | 33 | 15921 | 248* | 53.78 | – | – | 51 | 68 | – | 69 | 115 | 0 |
| ODIs | 463 | 452 | 41 | 18426 | 200* | 44.83 | 21368 | 86.23 | 49 | 96 | 2016 | 195 | 140 | 0 |
| T20Is | 1 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 83.33 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| FC | 310 | 490 | 51 | 25396 | 248* | 57.84 | – | – | 81 | 116 | – | – | 186 | 0 |
| List A | 551 | 538 | 55 | 21999 | 200* | 45.54 | – | – | 60 | 114 | – | – | 175 | 0 |
| T20s | 96 | 96 | 11 | 2797 | 100* | 32.9 | 2310 | 121.08 | 1 | 16 | 359 | 38 | 28 | 0 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Tests | 200 | 145 | 4240 | 2492 | 46 | 3/10 | 3/14 | 54.17 | 3.52 | 92.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 463 | 270 | 8054 | 6850 | 154 | 5/32 | 5/32 | 44.48 | 5.1 | 52.2 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| T20Is | 1 | 1 | 15 | 12 | 1 | 1/12 | 1/12 | 12 | 4.8 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 310 | – | 7605 | 4384 | 71 | 3/10 | – | 61.74 | 3.45 | 107.1 | – | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 551 | – | 10230 | 8478 | 201 | 5/32 | 5/32 | 42.17 | 4.97 | 50.8 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| T20s | 96 | 8 | 93 | 123 | 2 | 1/12 | 1/12 | 61.5 | 7.93 | 46.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
MS Dhoni – Godfather of Indian Cricket
Mahendra Singh Dhoni or MS Dhoni as known to all, he is GodFather of Indian Cricket. MS Dhoni is often referred as Captain Cool and as known is a legendary Indian Cricketer and one of the most successful captains in History of Cricket. Born on 7th July and playing with jersey no 7 the trend of “7 Thala For a Reason”.
- He is best known for his incredible leadership skills, calm demeanor under pressure and remarkable finishing abilities.
- Dhoni has led India to numerous significant victories including ICC T20 World Cup 2007, ICC ODI World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013.
- He is the only captain to have won all three major ICC trophies.
- As a Wicketkeeper Batsman, Dhoni is celebrated for his explosive batting and Innovative shot Selection.
- His signature “Helicopter Shot” has become iconic among fans and aspiring cricketers.
Batting Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
| Tests | 90 | 144 | 16 | 4876 | 224 | 38.09 | 8249 | 59.11 | 6 | 33 | 544 | 78 | 256 | 38 |
| ODIs | 350 | 297 | 84 | 10773 | 183* | 50.57 | 12303 | 87.56 | 10 | 73 | 826 | 229 | 321 | 123 |
| T20Is | 98 | 85 | 42 | 1617 | 56 | 37.6 | 1282 | 126.13 | 0 | 2 | 116 | 52 | 57 | 34 |
| FC | 131 | 210 | 19 | 7038 | 224 | 36.84 | – | – | 9 | 47 | – | – | 364 | 57 |
| List A | 423 | 364 | 99 | 13353 | 183* | 50.38 | – | – | 17 | 87 | – | – | 402 | 141 |
| T20s | 391 | 342 | 147 | 7432 | 84* | 38.11 | 5479 | 135.64 | 0 | 28 | 517 | 338 | 224 | 87 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Tests | 90 | 7 | 96 | 67 | 0 | – | – | – | 4.18 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 350 | 2 | 36 | 31 | 1 | 1/14 | 1/14 | 31 | 5.16 | 36 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 98 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| FC | 131 | – | 126 | 87 | 0 | – | – | – | 4.14 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 423 | – | 63 | 53 | 2 | 1/14 | 1/14 | 26.5 | 5.04 | 31.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20s | 391 | 1 | 12 | 25 | 0 | – | – | – | 12.5 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Final Words
The tag of “Godfather of Cricket” is not assigned or given to any of the Players. As the Cricketers have shaped the game and each one has added a special contribution to the game’s rich legacy. Moreover, the answer to the question “Who is the Godfather of Cricket?” is not very clear. Still the players mentioned in the list have achieved enough to get honored with the title and beyond.
FAQ’s
Ans: Well, W.G Grace, Viv Richards, Don Bradman and MS Dhoni are said to be God Father of Cricket.
Ans: Sachin Tendulkar is known by the name tag of God of Cricket.
Ans: Virat Kohli is considered as the King of Modern Day Cricket.
Ans: Rohit Sharma is the New T20I God of Cricket.
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