NEW DELHI: Sir Garfield Sobers was more than a legendary all-rounder – he was the cricketer who changed the game and changed how it was approached by future generations, former India captain. Kapil Dev: said while paying tribute to the West Indies giant after his death at the age of 89.Speaking to PTI on Saturday, Kapil described Sobers as one of the greatest cricketers to grace the game, saying his influence went beyond statistics and records.“I think anyone who knows about cricket should know about Gary Sobers. One of the best cricketers born in the world,” Kapil said. “The way he played cricket inspired people like us. It’s a sad day. He’s gone, but he gave us so much – so much cricket and his talent and ability that we’ve followed all our lives.”Sobers, widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in the history of cricket, died at his home in Barbados on Friday, just 10 days before his 90th birthday.
“We have all-rounders, but not on his scale”
Kapil, who is one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, believes that no player has matched Sobers’ extraordinary versatility.“I think, well, we have all-rounders, but not on his scale. I don’t think anyone can come close to him, the way he plays batting, bowling, fast bowling, spin bowling, fielding. Everything – he has the ability and skill to entertain. At the end of the day, many cricketers will emerge, but very few will become real entertainers,” Kapil said.According to Kapil, Sobers’ greatest gift is not only his great talent but also the joy he plays.“I think it’s the talent, the way he enjoyed himself and the way he played before. At that time, the West Indies team was undoubtedly one of the best, but he set records and changed people’s thinking about how to play and have fun,” he added.
The man who changed the mindset of cricket
Kapil recalls how Sobers challenged the conventional coaching philosophy of his time and encouraged young cricketers to think differently.“The biggest thing I remember is that he changed the way of MCC cricket coaching, what we call playing in the ‘V’,” he said. “I think the first thing I learned is not to play V, it’s how you run.Kapil also remembers Sobers as a warm personality away from the cricket field.“He was a brilliant cricketer. We lost him, but one can learn from the way he played cricket. Hats off to him, as he just enjoyed his life. At night, he sat and talked and we were just good listeners. He talked more about other things in life than cricket,” he added.Sobers’ career remains one of the most remarkable in cricket history. He scored 8,032 Test runs at an average of 57.78, claimed 235 wickets, broke a world record of 365 not out against Pakistan in 1958, and became the first batter to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket in 1968. Knighted in 1975, the Barbados men’s premiership. Sir Garfield Sobers Award — named after him, ensures that his legacy continues to inspire generations of cricketers.