Cricket is not just a sport but a legacy that great players of cricket have marched forward. The kind of impact some cricketers have had on the game is such that they are treated as ‘Godfather.’ It’s hard to name just one “godfather” of cricket because the game has changed over time and has many different styles. However, some players are especially remembered for how much they influenced the sport. Hardly any set of players changed how cricket is played and inspired millions like they did.
This article discusses the top 10 cricketers who made significant contributions to the game and earned the moniker ‘Godfather of Cricket’.
1. W.G. Grace—The Pioneer of Cricket
- Years Active: 1865 – 1908
- Player Type: All-rounder
- Best Performance: 344 in a county match for Marylebone Cricket Club
Why did he become the Godfather of Cricket?
A father of modern cricket, William Gilbert Grace is considered as such. He had a large role in turning the sport into what it is today. His batting techniques were ahead of their time and many styles that are still used are introduced by him. He played over 870 first-class matches and made runs in excess of 54,000. The cricketing star remains an unparalleled one and is often considered the first cricketing superstar.
2. Don Bradman—The Don of Cricket
- Years Active: 1928 – 1948
- Player Type: Batsman
- Best Performance: 334 vs England in 1930
Why Is He the Godfather of Cricket?
Most people regard Sir Don Bradman as the greatest batsman of all time. The unbreakable record for batting average in Test cricket is 99.94 by him.
Statistically, Bradman’s influence on cricket may have been more than the 12,123 runs he accumulated, but his aggressive batting style transformed how the game was played and simply, he’s just a genius. Today’s young cricketers continue to study his techniques to enhance their skills.
3. Brian Lara—The Caribbean Legend
- Years Active: 1990 – 2007
- Player Type: Batsman
- Best Performance: 400* in Test cricket (highest individual score)
Why Is He the Godfather of Cricket?
Brian Lara was a batsman of outstanding style and dominance who remained with the game for so long. The highest individual score in a Test match is 400; he scored it against England in 2004, and it is still the highest for Lanka. He was a true icon of the sport because of his aggressive batting and also about his capacity to perform under pressure. Many young cricketers, especially in the West Indies, were inspired by Lara.
4. Kapil Dev—The Indian Cricket Revolutionist
- Years Active: 1978 – 1994
- Player Type: All-rounder
- Best Performance: 175* vs Zimbabwe in 1983 World Cup
Why Is He the Godfather of Cricket?
In 1983, India won its first-ever World Cup, which was led by Kapil Dev and changed Indian cricket forever. He was a proper all-rounder with the bat and the ball.
Then, under his leadership, match-winning performances, and cricket became a popular sport in India, and he is an inspiration for generations.
5. Sachin Tendulkar—The God father of Team India
- Years Active: 1989 – 2013
- Player Type: Batsman
- Best Performance: 200* in an ODI (first-ever double century in ODI cricket)
Why does Team India refer to him as the Godfather?
Sachin Tendulkar is also called the ‘God of cricket’ because he has made records that have brought the cricket to the limelight and the impact he has left behind on the game after starting his journey. No one has yet passed the mark of scoring 100 international centuries and that is what he scored. A cricketer’s role model around the world, his influence goes even further than India. He changed how batting is done and how cricket is popularized across the globe.
6. M.S. Dhoni—Captain Cool
- Years Active: 2004 – 2020
- Player Type: Wicketkeeper-Batsman
- Best Performance: 183* vs Sri Lanka in 2005
Why is he called the Godfather of Indian cricket?
M.S. Dhoni is a calm man, an excellent captain, and also has finishing skills. He had also led India to the three ICC trophies (T20 World Cup 2007, ODI World Cup 2011 and Champions Trophy 2013). Under his leadership, Indian cricket was transformed and a lot of future captains were inspired by him. He is one of the greatest leaders in cricketing history because he is capable of handling pressure and delivering his team in trying circumstances.
6. Jacques Kallis—The Best All-Rounder
- Years Active: 1995 – 2014
- Player Type: All-rounder
- Best Performance: 224 vs Sri Lanka in 2012
Why Is He the Godfather of Cricket?
Jacques Kallis is regarded as the best all-rounder in cricket history. He was a total cricketer with 10,000 runs and 200 wickets in Test and ODI cricket. His position as a legend is especially due to his ability to stomp with bat and ball, and his impact on South African cricket is unmatched.
7. Muttiah Muralitharan—The Spin Wizard
- Years Active: 1992 – 2011
- Player Type: Bowler
- Best Performance: 9/51 in a Test match
Why is the reason behind this?
Muttiah Muralitharan has the record for most wickets in Test cricket (800). His ball spun on any surface and on any surface, his bowling was a nightmare for batsmen.
He became the man who redefined spin bowling and left behind a huge trail of young spinners who were inspired by him. He is one of the greatest all-time cricket greats because of his dominance of the sport.
8. Shane Warne—The King of Spin
- Years Active: 1992 – 2007
- Player Type: Bowler
- Best Performance: 8/71 in a Test match
Reason for another contender:
Almost always, Shane Warne is viewed as the greatest leg spinner ever. He played an important part in Australia’s dominance of world cricket as he had over 700 Test wickets. Aggressive personality and the talent of match-winning single-handedly made him a true legend. He is undefeated in spin bowling.
10. Virat Kohli—The Modern-Day Legend
- Years Active: 2008 – Present
- Player Type: Batsman
- Best Performance: 183 vs Pakistan in 2012
Why Is He the Godfather?
Everyone knows that Virat Kohli is a man who likes to play aggressively and be consistent. He has created many records; there are 8,000, 9,000, and 10,000 ODI runs. One cannot forget the influence he had on Indian cricket—an era of fitness and discipline. Kohli’s passion and leadership have raised new standards in international cricket.
Conclusion
The game of cricket has come a long way since that time and these 10 legendary cricketers have been the main constituents in recreating the game. Each player has left its imprint from W.G. Grace, the father of cricket, to Virat Kohli, the current icon.They’ve inspired millions of fans and young cricketers of the world, and whether it is through their records, their leadership or their playing style, they have done so.
The title of ‘Godfather of Cricket’ thus rightly deserves them because they have contributed so much to cricket. Some ruled with their batting, some with their bowling and most with their all-around abilities. These players’ legacy continues to make an impact on modern-day cricket and that means that they are still remembered by the cricket heart through generations.
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