Who is the Godfather of Cricket?

In a game of cricket, there have been several players who went on to become legends of the game over the years. With their consistent performances, there are many players who earned several titles by the cricket fans and are now recognised as cricketing legends. Taking a few examples, Sachin Tendulkar is popular with the name of ‘God’ of cricket.

If we talk about the ‘Godfather’ of cricket, there are several legendary players who could earn this title looking at their legacies, records and impact they made in the sport over the years. To become a Godfather in cricket, a player sGiving one player a title of Godfather of cricket can be debatable and there are several players who could fit this role the best. In the following listicle, we will have a look at some of the legendary cricketers who can earn the title of Godfather of Cricket.

Top 4 Contenders Who Could Be Considered the 'Godfather of Cricket' based on Performance:

1. Sachin Tendulkar

Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar is someone who made several fans from India to fall in love with the game cricket. In his long career of 24 years, Sachin went on to make and shatter several records and set new goals for many of the aspiring cricketers. He is all-time leading run scorer in international cricket across formats and is the only player to score 100 international centuries including 51 in Tests and 49 in ODIs. With his legacy, Sachin has already earned the title of God of cricket. Looking at his numbers and the influence he made in the game, Sachin can also be a great candidate for the title of Godfather of the sport.

Sachin Tendulkar Career Stats

Sachin Tendulkar’s Major Records

Highest run-getter of all-time (Tests+ODIs+T20I): 34357 Most Centuries in international cricket: 100 (51 in Tests) (49 in ODIs)

Only player to score more than 18000 ODI runs Only player to score more than 15000 Test runs

2. Don Bradman

Australian legend Sir Donald Bradman can arguably go down as the greatest cricketer of all time. Playing in the era of 1930s and 40s, Bradman took batting to a next level at that time and retired with the highest ever Test average of 99.94. If he had scored just four runs in his final Test match, his average would have gone beyond 100. He was among the first cricketing stars from the Australian team that went on to dominate over the years. Bradman became a cultural symbol for the Australian people who became a hope for them during the post war times and the great depression. He can easily get the title of Godfather of cricket for the legacy and the contribution he had in the game of cricket.

Don Bradman Career Stats

Don Bradman’s Major Records

Highest career batting average in Tests: 99.94

Fastest to 6000 Test runs: 68 innings

Most runs in a series by captain: 810

Hundred in consecutive matches: 6 Test matches

3. Vivian Richards

West Indies great Sir Viv Richards redefined the style of batting in the era of 1980s. Even years before the T20 cricket came into effect, Richards already introduced the concept of fearless batting and power-hitting approach in the Test format. He was a pivotal part of the Caribbean side that dominated the cricketing world in the decade of 80s. With over 8000 runs in Test and more than 6000 runs in ODIs, Richards was ahead of its time in terms of attacking batting and can be termed as Godfather of cricket.

Vivian Richards Career Records

Vivian Richards Major Records

50s in consecutive matches: 12 ODI matches

2nd Most Runs in Calendar Year in Tests: 1710 runs in 1976

2nd Most 100s in calender year in Tests: 7 in 1976

4. Jacques Kallis

While some players are legends in batting while some in bowling, Jacques Kallis is the one who excelled in both and is considered as greatest all-rounder in the history of cricket. After Kallis, there are also several players who went on to become great all-rounders but only a few reached at a level of Kallis. With over 25000 runs and more than 550 wickets in international cricket, Jacques Kallis showed everyone how an allrounder should play and can be another perfect candidate to become Godfather of cricket.

Jacques Kallis Career Stats

Batting

Bowling

Jacques Kallis Major records

2nd Fastest to 13000 Test runs: 269 innings

All-time leading run scorer for South Africa in all formats: 25422

3rd highest wicket taker for South Africa in ODIs: 269

Sachin Tendulkar - Don Bradman - Vivian Richards - Jacques Kallis: Who is the Godfather of Cricket?

From the above mentioned names, every player turned out to be a star player of his generation and made a major influence in international cricket. However, if we talk about the Godfather of cricket, in my opinion Sir Don Bradman deserves this title the most. Although players like Sachin Tendulkar, Vivian Richards, and Jacques Kallis have achieved significant milestones in their respective careers, Bradman showed how a batter should bat in the era of 1930s and 40s. With an career average of 99.94, Bradman arguably can go down do as one of the best batters and already became legend even before the above mentioned three players were born.

Also Read: Who is the God of T20 cricket?

FAQs

Q. Who is the God of cricket?

A. Sachin Tendulkar is regarded as a God of cricket as the title has been given to him by the fans for his contribution to the sport over the years.

Q. Who is Godfather of cricket?

Sir Don Bradman can be titles as Godfather of cricket for his unreal performance in the decade of 1930s and 40s .

Q. Who is father of Indian cricket?

A. Sir Ranjitsinhji Vibhaji Jadeja is regarded as the father of Indian cricket. His numbers in the Ranji Trophy made his one of the best cricketers from the country and he is celebrated for his significant contributions to the sport.

Q. Who is the father figure of Indian Cricket?

Lala Amarnath is considered to be a father figure of Indian cricket for his immense contributions to the sport and its influence in India in initial years.

Q. Who is the Godfather of IPL?

MS Dhoni can be named as Godfather of the IPL for his impact in the league over the years. He is five-time title winning IPL captain and has been a crucial players in the league over the years.