Cricket is the second-most popular sport world-wide after football. It is widely followed in the different parts of the world and has been played officially for more than 150 years now. Just like in football, fans always have a debate about who is the GOAT (greatest of all time) between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Similarly, if we look at it in cricket, there are a number of cricketers who are suitable to be called the “GOAT” of cricket. In this article, we will talk about such cricketers from the very start to now who are considered GOATs of cricket.
What is GOAT in cricket?
The term GOAT stands for Greatest of All Time, and it is used in every sport for the players who have earned this tag. However, everyone has different opinions, but there are a few criteria which can be useful when we talk about the topic ‘Who is the goat in cricket?’ These factors may include the consistency, impact on the game, longevity, and performances.
These factors can rate the career of the cricketers, which can help to understand who is suitable to be called the Godfather of Cricket. Hence, we have made a list here that includes such cricketers who are perfect to be called GOATs in cricket.
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GOAT in Cricket
1. Sir Don Bradman
There is a saying that big things come in pocket size, and a 5-foot-7-inch guy proved it when cricket was in its early stages. Don Bradman, who went on to dominate the world, proved that he was one of the greatest of all time. There are some records that are unbreakable, and Bradman’s career average of 99.94 is one of them. He was the most influential cricketer of his era, who was a run machine at the time when there were no helmets.
He played cricket between 1928 and 1948 and was Australia’s first celebrity. He featured in 52 Tests and scored 6996 runs at 99.94 with 29 centuries and 13 half-centuries. Bradman holds multiple records, like the best Test average, most Test double centuries, most runs in a Test series, fastest to 6,000 Test runs, most runs in a day, and many more. His consistency was unparallel; even Sachin Tendulkar picks him as his idol. So, there is no doubt that Sir Don Bradman was a GOAT in cricket.
2. Sir Viv Richards
If it is about the impact, we might not see any other impactful cricketer than former West Indian star Viv Richards. Born on March 7, 1952, in St. John’s, British Leeward Islands, Richards took up cricket in his early days. He went on to play for West Indies from 1974 to 1991. He was an integral part of the West Indian side that won the 1975 and 1979 World Cups. He was regarded as the greatest batter of all time.
Standing over 6 feet, he was a force to reckon with. It was not just his cricket carry but the way he carried it off the field as well. His swag and persona were unmatchable. Richards made his name in the team that already has a number of superstars. He played 121 Tests and 187 ODIs and scored 8540 and 6721 runs, respectively, with 35 international centuries. He had a career strike rate of 90.20 in ODIs, when scoring 200 runs in 60 overs was considered a big thing. He was one of the five players to be named “Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Century” in 2000.
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3. Sachin Tendulkar
The 20th century had many big superstars, but the end of the 20th century gave Sachin Tendulkar to the world. Born on April 24, 1973, in Bombay, Sachin made his debut at the young age of 16 against the likes of Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Abdul Qadir in November 1989. Not many predicted that he would become a GOAT in cricket. But his longevity and performances made him a big star in cricket.
His contribution to the game and influence earned him the tag of ‘God of Cricket‘ in India. And it will be difficult not to add him to the list of GOATs in cricket. During his playing days, players like Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, Sanath Jayasuriya, Rahul Dravid, and many more dominated the game, but no one could be compared to Sachin Tendulkar. He played cricket for 24 years and retired in 2013, with most international runs, most international centuries, most international half-centuries, most international matches, and many more.
4. Virat Kohli
Indian cricket has a rich history, and they have given some of the greatest batters like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, and many more. And Virat Kohli is taking that legacy forward. Born 5 November 1988 in Delhi, India, Virat Kohli is probably the most passionate cricketer that India have produced. His aggression and passion, which back up his performance, are a very rare combination. Be it Australia, England, or any country, he always gives his best, which makes him a perfect candidate to be considered a King of Cricket, especially in the modern day.
Since his debut in 2008, no one has scored more runs, more centuries, or more half-centuries than him. Since his debut, he has won most ICC awards, most POTM awards, and most POTS awards. He has more ICC awards than a few countries. Virat has played 533 international games and scored 26942 runs with 80 centuries and 140 half-centuries. No one in modern-day cricket comes close to what he has achieved in his career.
