Who Is the Godfather of Cricket? Who Really Deserves the Godfather Title

Cricket icons have come and gone over the years, but a few of those have become legendary. Only the most extraordinary players get this status. OCBscores will break down these legends, and who is worthy of the title. Who is the Godfather of cricket? Let’s find out.

What Does 'Godfather of Cricket' Really Mean?

The “Godfather” of any sport is one that implies authority, influence, and an enduring legacy. Much like in movies, the Godfather commands admiration and is seen as a leader on and off the pitch. You’ll often see these players be the most prominent in cricket betting odds for major platforms.

Why fans and experts use the term

Similar to the GOAT term that has appeared in recent years, the Godfather of cricket is not an official title but one that fans and journalists love to debate across the cricket schedule over the year. The title is seen as someone who is beloved all over the world and has a strong and lasting impact in shaping the game of cricket.

How the title evolved over time

With the increase of social media usage across the world and match highlights easily visible, the Godfather title is much more widespread. Fans online or watching together have fun debating who is worthy of the title while also viewing today’s cricket match predictions for placing bets across the seasons.

Key Qualities that Define a Godfather of Cricket in India

A real cricketing Godfather should influence the game during and after their career. Whether it’s their style of play, their captaincy, or memorable moments, the name should continue to inspire the next generation of players with:

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Legends Often Called the Godfather of Cricket

Many different players from a range of countries have been given the title. We’ll discuss a few of the legendary cricketers worthy of this strong label.

W.G. Grace – The founding figure

England is widely known as the homeland of cricket, and it’s fair to say that W.G. Grace is the country’s first real star player. Playing from 1865 to 1908, Grace totalled 54,211 first-class runs and even chipped in 2,809 wickets from 870 first-class matches.

Grace was a cultural wonder and crowds would flock to games to watch him at the crease, with many experts stating that he helped to create the modern batting technique.

Sir Don Bradman – The benchmark of greatness

Bradman was Australia’s answer to Grace and is still widely considered one of the best Test batsmen of all time. His technique and confidence as a batter is the stuff of legend, but he has the numbers to back it up, with a Test batting average of 99.94 and 6,996 runs in 52 matches from 1928 to 1948. 19 Test centuries against the old foe of England still counts for something. Undoubtedly the Godfather of cricket in Australia.

Sir Garfield Sobers – The complete all-rounder

Sobers is undoubtedly an icon for West Indies cricket due to his incredible all-round game. A great top-order batter, solid left-arm seam bowler, and tenacious fielder, Sobers’ versatility ensured that he was a major piece of Windies teams during his era of 1954 to 1974. With 86 first-class centuries, including an epic 365* against Pakistan, Sobers would go on to captain the West Indies and make the team such a fearsome cricket squad.

Sachin Tendulkar – The Godfather of cricket in India

What Godfather discussion can be held without mentioning Tendulkar? His resume is full of outstanding achievements, including 15,921 Test runs and 18,426 ODI runs, as well as being the first player to make 100 international centuries. Tendulkar was a beacon of hope for India whenever he stepped onto the pitch, as his skill and leadership was unrivalled during his long career from 1989 to 2012.

MS Dhoni – The modern-day leader

MS Dhoni is revered as one of the greatest Indian Godfathers and a genuine tactician on the field. Captaining 332 matches across all formats and picking up multiple trophies and wins along the way, Dhoni was also a reliable ODI batter with an average of 50.57 and making 10,773 ODI runs.

Clive Lloyd – The captain of dominance

It’s clear that the West Indies were a tough side to beat with stars like Clive Lloyd on the pitch. Lloyd helped build an unrelenting and aggressive side and captained the Windies to 36 Test victories from 1974 to 1985. Lloyd was also crucial at the crease, picking up 7,515 Test runs and hitting nearly 20 centuries during his reign.

Who could be the next Godfather of cricket?

We may have discussed some of the legendary retired Godfathers, but what about those star players who may be the next in line to earn the title?

Virat Kohli – Consistency and passion

Kohli is clearly the next Indian superstar cricketer to one day hold the mantle of greatest player for his country and Godfather of cricket in India. A once-in-a-lifetime batter with unrivalled skills and passion, Kohli is an adept player and captain in all major formats, including over 26,000 total runs, 51 ODI centuries, and 40 Test wins as captain (currently India’s most successful Test match captain).

Ben Stokes – Match-winner and leader

Stokes thrives when a match is on the line and he is able to handle any pressure. With moments such as scoring 84* to win the 2019 ODI World Cup Final or the epic 2019 Ashes victory at Headingly after scoring 135*, Stokes has shined with the bat and helped England win epic matches. As talented an all-rounder as you’ll find, Stokes’ batting, bowling, and captaincy easily makes him a Godfather of cricket in years to come.

Kane Williamson – Calm and composed influence

Williamson has helped rejuvenate New Zealand cricket to become a threat once again. An extraordinary batter with a Test average of 54.88 and ODI average of 47.21, Williamson has finesse and power with the bat, but has also led NZ to their best cricket in years.  

Shubman Gill – Rising star with potential

It’s not difficult to see why Indian cricket fans are excited to have Gill as the current Test captain. Already with one double century and a fast run-scorer in all formats, Gill is a wizard at the crease but also shows his strategist side by leading India to many great wins in recent matches. With a 41.25 Test average and 2,647 Test runs scored, Indian cricket is safe with Gill at the helm.

Rashid Khan – Global impact from a new frontier

Khan’s left-spin is quickly becoming legendary and he’s a real threat on any pitch. Helping Afghanistan to become respectable on the world cricketing stage, Khan is also a major star in many T20 leagues with 654 total wickets and a 6.56 Economy Rate. He’s young now but sure to become a Godfather of cricket in the future if he continues this current impeccable form.

Conclusion

Your definition of Godfather of cricket in the world might change depending on what you value on the pitch, such as batting, bowling, wins, or simply leadership. Still, we can all agree that every player mentioned has the necessary skills and qualities to deserve that sought-after cricket title. Be sure to check our cricket blog for more articles you can discuss!

Stats and figures from
cricket.com
Wikipedia
iplt20.com