Who is the Godfather of Cricket? Expert’s Pick and Amazing Facts

Since its inception, T20 cricket has grown in popularity and has now spread across 100 countries. In the 150+ years of Test cricket, we have seen many champion players become world record holders. Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as the “God of Cricket” while Virat Kohli is called the “King of Cricket”.

But who is the Father of Cricket? This title is for the person who has revolutionised his life. It is not just the runs, centuries or wickets; it is about the impact he has had on the team, fans and the world of cricket. He inspired several generations to play for their country and he is one of the role models for any player associated with this sport. So, here we will talk about such people who can be considered as the “Father of Cricket”.

Three Cricketers who can be considered “Godfathers of Cricket”

3. MS Dhoni (India)

Before 2007, India was a good team but the SENA countries and even Pakistan and Sri Lanka were too strong. But then one man came into captaincy and changed everything. Sourav Ganguly took India to new heights but it was the MS Dhoni era that made India world champions. India won the World Cup title in 2007 after 24 years. Later, it won the ODI World Cup in 2011 and the Champions Trophy in 2013. This is the first time a team has won three different ICC titles in 5-6 years.

MS Dhoni as a leader inspired generations and made India a popular team. Before him, there was not much interest in picking up the gloves but suddenly there was a rise in the number of youngsters taking up wicketkeeping as their primary skill. Be it a captain or a finisher, Dhoni is great. His impact on Indian cricket is incredible and if we include his fans around the world, he deserves to be called the “Godfather of Cricket in India”.

2. Viv Richards (West Indies)

There was a time when West Indies were invincible in cricket. The period between the 1970s and 1980s was a golden era for the Caribbean team as they built a strong team. Famous cricketers from this country include Garfield Sobers, Clive Lloyd, Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Clyde Walcott, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Gordon Greenidge, Courtney Walsh and Malcolm Marshall. But one name is Sir Viv Richards.

According to some cricket pundits, he is the most destructive cricketer the game has ever seen. Over 6 feet tall and always moving like a man on a mission, Richards was a cricketer of a generation. He was one of the main reasons for West Indies winning the 1979 World Cup. He has scored 15261 runs at a strike rate of 80. He faced the fastest bowlers in the world without a helmet. And if the “God of Cricket” Sachin Tendulkar considers Viv Richards as his idol, then he must be a contender for the “Father of Cricket”.

1. Sir Don Bradman (Australia)

Whenever cricket is talked about, the name of Sir Dan Bradman definitely comes up. He was the greatest of all time and scored a lot of runs without a helmet or protective gear. Bradman’s impact on the game has inspired generations not only in Australia but around the world. He played international cricket between 1928 and 1948 and played 52 Test matches. He scored 6996 runs at an average of 99.94.

Bradman scored 29 centuries and 13 half-centuries in 80 innings. At the FC level, he scored 28067 runs in 234 matches at an average of 95.14 with 117 centuries. In any case, Bradman’s wicket was a game-changing moment and that’s why he is on this list. The great batsman died on 25 February 2001, but his legacy lives on. Comparing a player to Bradman is considered a huge compliment, which is why Don Bradman is considered the “Father of Cricket”.