Cricket has gained more popularity since the inception of T20 cricket, and it has spanned across 100 countries now. In the 150+ years of Test cricket, we have seen many champion players that went on to become world beaters. Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as the “God of Cricket,” while Virat Kohli is termed the “King of Cricket.”
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But who is the “Godfather of Cricket?” This title is for the individual who brought revolution during his career. It is not just about runs, centuries, or wickets; it is about the impact he had on the team, fans, and cricket world. It is how he inspired generations to play for their country, and he is one of the idols of any player who takes up sports. So here we will talk about such individuals who can be considered “Godfathers of Cricket.”
Three Cricketers who can be considered “Godfathers of Cricket”
3. MS Dhoni (India)
Before 2007, India were a good teams, but SENA countries and even Pakistan and Sri Lanka were much stronger. But then came a man who took the captaincy, which changed everything. Sourav Ganguly took India to new heights, but it was MS Dhoni’s era that made India a world champion. India won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, followed by the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013. This was the first time that a team won three different ICC titles in a span of 5–6 years.
MS Dhoni, as a leader, inspired many generations and made India a popular team. Before him, there was not much craze about taking the gloves, but suddenly the number of youngsters taking wicket-keeping as primary skills got increased. Dhoni, as a captain or finisher, was one of the best. His impact on Indian cricket is incredible, and if we add his fan following across the world, he does deserve to be called the “Godfather of Cricket in India.”
| Format | Mts | Inns | NO | Runs | Avg | HS | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 90 | 144 | 16 | 4876 | 38.09 | 224 | 6 | 33 |
| ODIs | 350 | 297 | 84 | 10773 | 50.57 | 183* | 10 | 73 |
| T20Is | 98 | 85 | 42 | 1617 | 37.60 | 56 | 0 | 2 |
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2. Viv Richards (West Indies)
There was a time when West Indies were unbeatable in cricket. The period between the 1970s and late 1980s was a golden period for the Caribbean team because they had built a formidable side. Garfield Sobers, Clive Lloyd, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Clyde Walcott, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Gordon Greenidge, Courtney Walsh, and Malcolm Marshall are some of the legendary cricketers from this country. But one name that stands out is Sir Viv Richards.
According to some cricket pundits, he was the most destructive cricketer that the game has even seen. Standing over 6 feet tall and walking like a man of mission always, Richards was a once-in-a-generation cricketer. He was one of the main reasons that West Indies won the 1979 World Cup. Across formats, he scored over 15,000+ international runs with an aggressive strike rate in ODIs of around 90 for his era. Without a helmet, he faced some of the fastest bowlers in the world. And if the “God of Cricket,” Sachin Tendulkar, terms Viv Richards as his ideal, he has to be a contender for “Godfather of Cricket.”
| Format | Mts | Inns | NO | Runs | Avg | HS | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 121 | 182 | 12 | 8540 | 50.23 | 291 | 24 | 45 |
| ODIs | 187 | 162 | 24 | 6721 | 47 | 189* | 11 | 45 |
1. Sir Don Bradman (Australia)
Whenever someone talks about cricket, the name of Sir Don Bradman will always be among the top. He was probably the greatest of all time and scored immense runs when there were no helmets or safety gears. Bradman’s impact on this sport inspired generations not just in Australia but worldwide. He played international cricket between 1928 and 1948 and played 52 Tests. He scored 6996 runs at an average of 99.94.
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Out of 80 innings he played, Bradman scored 29 centuries and 13 half-centuries. At the FC level, he scored 28067 runs in 234 matches at an average of 95.14 with 117 centuries. For any opportunity, the wicket of Bradman was the game-changing moment, which is why he is on this list. The legendary batter passed away on February 25, 2001, but his legacy is still alive. Comparing a player to Bradman is considered a massive form of appreciation, which is why Don Bradman is considered the “Godfather of Cricket.”
| Mts | Inns | NO | Runs | Avg | HS | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 80 | 10 | 6996 | 99.94 | 334 | 29 | 13 |
So, Who is the Real Godfather of Cricket?
All three players—MS Dhoni, Viv Richards, and Sir Don Bradman—are legends. But if we have to choose just one, the title “Godfather of Cricket” best fits Sir Don Bradman.
Why?
Because he changed the game with his unbelievable batting. His average of 99.94 in Test cricket is still the highest in history. He made cricket popular around the world during a time when there was no helmet or modern equipment. Many great players say they were inspired by him.
That’s why Sir Don Bradman is called the “Godfather of Cricket.”
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