New Delhi, July 17: The cricket fraternity came together to pay heartfelt tributes to , the legendary West Indies all-rounder, who passed away in Barbados
on Friday (July 17) at the age of 89. Remembered as the benchmark of cricketing excellence, Sobers was hailed as an irreplaceable icon whose influence stretched far beyond statistics and records.
From administrators and former captains to players across generations, tributes poured in for the Barbadian legend, widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder the game has ever produced.
Jay Shah Leads ICC Tribute
International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah described Sobers as a towering figure in world cricket whose achievements inspired generations.
"Deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Garfield 'Garry' Sobers, a towering figure in world cricket and a true sporting legend. His unparalleled achievements and enduring contribution to the game have inspired generations of cricketers across the globe," Shah wrote on X.
Earlier in the day, the ICC also issued an official statement mourning Sobers' demise, calling him the finest all-rounder in cricket history and praising his lasting contribution to the sport.
Sourav Ganguly: 'An Irreplaceable Loss'
Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly termed Sobers' death an irreplaceable loss to cricket.
"An irreplaceable loss to the cricket world. his skills in that generation was a yardstick for many to judge their own talent. one of the rarest. May his soul rest in peace," Ganguly posted on X.
Dilip Vengsarkar: Greatest All-Rounder Ever
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, though too young to watch Sobers during his prime, said recordings of his innings and interactions after retirement convinced him of the West Indian's unmatched greatness.
"I never saw him play live, but I have heard so many stories about him. His famous 254 against Australia for the Rest of the World and his incredible Test record speak for themselves. He was the greatest all-rounder the world has ever seen," Vengsarkar told PTI.
Chandrasekhar Recalls Facing Sobers
Former India leg-spinner B.S. Chandrasekhar, who bowled to Sobers during the memorable 1967 Chennai Test, recalled how the left-hander effortlessly handled his variations.
"He was the greatest batsman I ever bowled to. He could read all my variations and was very aggressive," Chandrasekhar told PTI.
He also remembered Sobers' match-saving innings of 95 and an unbeaten 74 on a difficult fifth-day Chepauk surface. "Without a doubt, he was the greatest all-rounder and a role model for many of us. "
Sobers and Wes Hall stitched together a crucial 77-run partnership for the eighth wicket to deny India victory despite Chandrasekhar, EAS Prasanna and Bishan Singh Bedi exploiting the deteriorating pitch.
Laxman, Yuvraj and Harbhajan Pay Rich Tributes
Former India batting great VVS Laxman described Sobers as a "true giant of the game. "
"His extraordinary skill, grace and sportsmanship inspired generations of cricketers around the world. His legacy will forever remain a part of cricket's rich history. "
Yuvraj Singh highlighted Sobers' pioneering achievements, especially becoming the first batter to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket.
"Sir Garfield Sobers showed the world there were no limits to greatness. Every generation has looked up to him, and every generation to come will continue to do the same. "
Harbhajan Singh said cricket had lost one of its brightest gems. "Sir Garry Sobers was more than a legend-he was the very definition of greatness, inspiring generations with his extraordinary talent and humility. "
Madan Lal: There Will Never Be Another
1983 World Cup-winning all-rounder Madan Lal believed Sobers redefined what it meant to be a genuine all-rounder.
"Such an all-rounder has never been born, nor will there ever be another. Whether batting, bowling or fielding, Garry Sobers set the benchmark for complete cricketers," he told PTI.
Former India fast bowler Chetan Sharma also described Sobers as the greatest all-rounder in cricket history.
Meanwhile, former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik wrote: "You grew up listening to what Sir Garfield Sobers could do on the field. A genius, a trendsetter and a true legend of the game. "
Cricket West Indies Hails Caribbean Icon
Cricket West Indies (CWI) remembered Sobers as "the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen. "
CWI President Kishore Shallow said Sobers represented much more than sporting excellence. "Sir Garfield Sobers was the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen. His mastery of batting, bowling and fielding was unparalleled, but his true significance reached far beyond the boundary ropes. "
He added that Sobers became a symbol of Caribbean excellence, resilience and hope during a defining period in the region's history.
Sir Garfield Sobers' Unmatched Legacy
Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, on July 28, 1936, Sobers was just 11 days short of his 90th birthday. A naturally gifted left-hander, Sobers could also bowl left-arm fast-medium, orthodox spin and wrist spin, making him the most complete cricketer the sport has ever witnessed.
Among his many achievements, he held the world record for the highest individual Test score (365*) after his innings against Pakistan in 1958 and became the first player to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket while playing for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan in 1968.
Though records have been surpassed over time, Sir Garfield Sobers' reputation as cricket's greatest all-rounder remains untouched. His legacy continues to inspire generations, ensuring that one of the sport's brightest stars will never be forgotten.
