"Cricket has lost one of its greatest": Virat Kohli pays heartfelt tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers
New Delhi, July 18
Indian cricket star Virat Kohli paid tribute to West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers following his passing, describing him as one of the greatest figures the sport has ever produced.
The legendary West Indies icon leaves behind a remarkable legacy that transformed the sport across two decades, excelling with both bat and ball while setting standards of all-round excellence that remain unmatched by many.
Kohli took to X to express his condolences and hailed Sobers' lasting influence on cricket.
"Cricket has lost one of its greatest. Rest in peace, Sir Garfield Sobers. Your legacy will inspire generations," Kohli wrote.
Sobers represented the West Indies in 93 Test matches between 1954 and 1974, scoring 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries, while also claiming 235 wickets.
His ability to excel as a left-handed batter, a versatile left-arm bowler capable of seam, orthodox spin and wrist spin, and a brilliant fielder earned him universal acclaim as one of the game's complete cricketers.
Among his greatest achievements was his unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in 1958, then the highest individual score in Test cricket, a record that stood for 36 years.
In 1968, while playing county cricket for Nottinghamshire, he became the first player to hit six sixes in a single over in first-class cricket, achieving the feat against Malcolm Nash of Glamorgan.
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 for his services to cricket, Sobers was later named one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the 20th Century in 2000.
His legacy also lives on through the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, the ICC's annual award presented to the outstanding men's international cricketer across all formats.
Sobers' passing marks the end of one of cricket's most celebrated chapters, with tributes continuing to pour in from across the sporting world.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Sir Garfield Sobers was before my time but even I know about that 365* against Pakistan and the six sixes in an over. Imagine being able to bowl seam, orthodox spin AND wrist spin - unreal versatility. Kohli's tribute is fitting. 🙏
As an Australian cricket fan, I grew up hearing my dad talk about Sobers. He said he was the best he ever saw. The fact that he held the highest Test score for 36 years and then won the Wisden award says it all. Kohli's words are spot on.
In India we revere our own legends like Sachin and Kohli, but true cricket fans know the global greats too. Sobers was the original all-rounder - 8000 runs and 235 wickets in just 93 Tests, incredible numbers for any era. The Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy is a fitting honor. Rest in peace, legend.
Respect to Virat for acknowledging this. Sobers wasn't just a cricketer, he was an artist. That six sixes in an over feat - still only a handful have done it in professional cricket. His legacy will live on through the ICC award named after him. 🕊️
Sir Garfield Sobers was a true pioneer. His knighthood was well-deserved and the Wisden Five Cricketers of the 20th Century honor proves his place in history. While Kohli's tribute is heartfelt, I wish more Indian fans knew about the Caribbean legends who shaped cricket before the modern era.
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