"A great player and wonderful human being": Madan Lal pays tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers
Noida, July 18
Former India cricketer and part of India's 1983 World Cup team Madan Lal on Saturday mourned the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, describing him as a cricketing legend whose immense contribution helped shape West Indies cricket, while also remembering him as a warm and humble person.
Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time and arguably the finest all-rounder the game has ever produced, passed away at his Barbados home on Friday at the age of 89.
"It's a very sad day for cricket. Such a great player is no longer among us today. West Indies cricket really took off during his era. He played a pivotal role in the team's formation and made a massive contribution to West Indies cricket. He was also a wonderful human being... We used to meet whenever we toured the West Indies," Madan Lal told ANI.
Sobers represented the West Indies in 93 Test matches between 1954 and 1974, amassing 8,032 runs at an outstanding average of 57.78, including 26 centuries.
With the ball, the left-arm all-rounder claimed 235 Test wickets at an average of 34.03, showcasing his rare ability to bowl left-arm fast-medium, orthodox spin and wrist spin with equal effectiveness.
His brilliance extended beyond batting and bowling, with Sobers also earning a reputation as one of cricket's finest fielders and close-in catchers.
One of the defining moments of his illustrious career came in 1958 when he scored an unbeaten 365 against Pakistan, then the highest individual score in Test cricket.
Sobers also etched his name into cricket history in 1968 while representing Nottinghamshire, becoming the first player to hit six sixes in a single over in first-class cricket, achieving the feat against Glamorgan spinner Malcolm Nash.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's sad to hear this news. I've read so much about his records - 365 not out was mind-blowing for that era. He inspired generations not just in the West Indies but everywhere. Our Indian players like Madan Lal and Gavaskar always spoke so highly of him. A true gentleman of the game. 💔
For many of us who didn't see him play, his legacy still looms large. I remember learning about his all-round skills in school - bowling pace, spin, batting like a master, fielding like a panther. He set the benchmark. The tribute from Madan Lal, a World Cup winner himself, shows how respected Sir Sobers was across borders. 🙏
Actually, I think we sometimes romanticise past players too much. Yes, Sobers was great, but his average of 57 and 235 wickets in 93 matches shows some gaps too. Still, no doubt he was a pioneer. But let's not forget he played in an era without many of today's challenges. Respect to his contributions though.
Truly a sad day for cricket lovers everywhere. Sir Garfield Sobers was not just a great cricketer but a wonderful human being as Madan Lal ji said. I remember watching old footage of his six sixes - what a moment in sports history! His 365 against Pakistan is still talked about. May his soul rest in peace. 🕊️🏏
As a young cricket fan, I've heard so many stories about Sir Sobers from my grandparents. They said he was the kind of player who could change a match in a single session. It
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