"Rest easy, legend": Brian Lara pays emotional tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers
Bridgetown, July 18
Former West Indies captain Brian Lara paid a heartfelt tribute to cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers following his passing, remembering him as the West Indies' "greatest player" and saying his legacy would never be forgotten.
In an Instagram post, Lara expressed his condolences to Sobers' family and acknowledged the strength they gave the cricket icon throughout his life.
"Our greatest player has left us. My deepest condolences to every member of his family who stood by him and gave him the strength he needed when he needed it most. May they find comfort and peace during this incredibly difficult time. Rest easy, legend. Your legacy will never be forgotten," Lara 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
As cricket fans in India, we owe so much to legends like Sobers who shaped the game into what it is today. The fact that he could bat left-handed, bowl pace, orthodox spin, AND wrist spin, plus field like a dream... truly the complete cricketer. The Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy is a beautiful way to honour him. His legacy will live on through every all-rounder who dreams of being half as good as him. 💔
Sobers was not just a cricketer but a symbol of Caribbean resilience and joy. Growing up, my father used to tell me stories about his six sixes in an over against Glamorgan. To think that was a first in first-class cricket! And Brian Lara's tribute shows how much he meant to the current generation of West Indian players. The cricket world has lost a giant. Beautifully written article.
I have a small criticism - I wish the article mentioned his 8,032 Test runs and 235 wickets in context of the era. Back then, matches were fewer and conditions tougher. He averaged nearly 58 with the bat, which is phenomenal even by today's standards. Also, being knighted by the Queen and then having the ICC trophy named after him speaks volumes. One of the very few who truly deserved the tag "legend". RIP Sir Garfield Sobers.
The West Indies cricket legacy is unmatched! From Sobers to Lara to Viv Richards, they gave us so many moments to cherish. This is really sad news, but what a life well lived. 93 Tests, 26 centuries, 365 not out... and he was the FIRST to hit six sixes in an over! The game will miss him. Sending love from India to the West Indies cricket fraternity. 🕊️❤️
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