Who Is The Godfather Of Cricket In 2025? The Ultimate Truth

Who is the godfather of cricket? This question gets cricket fans talking everywhere. The title isn’t just about having great stats. It’s about leaders who changed how cricket is played and helped young players become stars. 

From Don Bradman’s amazing batting to MS Dhoni’s cool leadership, these cricket godfathers built winning teams and left their mark on the game forever. Their influence still shapes cricket today, from test matches to the newest T20 leagues.

Who is the Godfather of Cricket in world

3. Sir Garfield Sobers 

When discussing cricket’s greatest all-rounders, Sir Garfield Sobers immediately comes to mind. This West Indian legend represented his country from 1954 to 1974, an impressive 20-year international career when cricket was much more physically demanding.

Standing 5’11”, Sobers possessed extraordinary versatility. He could bowl left-arm orthodox spin, wrist spin, and medium pace, a combination of skills rarely seen in a single player.

Sir Garfield Sobers led the prime West Indian team for seven years (1965-1972) and laid the foundation for the dominant West Indies teams that became world champions in 1975 and 1979. His influence extended beyond his statistics he changed how teams approached the all-rounder position in cricket.

Sir Garry Sober’s Stats – Test Cricket

Batting Stats

• Matches: 93
• Innings: 160
• Runs: 8032
• Average: 57.78
• Best Score: 365*
• Hundreds (100s): 26
• Fifties (50s): 30

These batting stats would be impressive for a specialist batsman, but Sobers wasn’t just a batsman he was also an exceptional bowler.

Bowling Stats

• Matches: 93
• Innings: 159
• Wickets: 235
• Best Bowling in a match: 8/80
• Best Bowling in an Innings: 6/73
• Economy Rate in Bowling: 2.22
• 5-Wickets Haul: 6

His economy rate in bowling of 2.22 is remarkable, showing his ability to contain opposition batsmen while taking wickets.

Key Achievements

• Reached 6,000 Test runs in just 111 innings, making him the second-fastest batter to achieve the milestone.
  
• Recorded the second-best bowling economy in a single Test match, conceding just 0.21 runs per over.
  
• Became the sixth player to score centuries in three consecutive international matches across all formats.
  
• Played 39 consecutive Test matches as team captain, ranking him eighth in this category.
  
• Registered half-centuries in six back-to-back Test innings, placing him seventh on the all-time list.
  

American sports fans might compare Sir Garfield Sobers to athletes like Bo Jackson or Deion Sanders, who excelled in multiple sports. However, Sobers achieved his versatility within a single sport, making him a unique figure in cricket history.

2. Sir Vivian Richards –

If cricket had a Michael Jordan-like figure who dominated through sheer intimidation and swagger, it would be Sir Vivian Richards. This West Indian legend, born on March 7, 1952, in St. John’s, Antigua, changed batting forever with his aggressive style and confidence.

While today’s cricketers routinely wear helmets, Richards never did—even when facing the world’s fastest bowlers. This mental toughness, combined with his ability to hit powerful shots all around the field, made him one of cricket’s most feared batsmen.

Sir Vivian Richards played from 1974 to 1991 and was instrumental in the West Indies’ dominance during this period. American fans might think of him as the cricket equivalent of Muhammad Ali—supremely confident, overwhelmingly talented, and revolutionary in his approach.

Sir Vivian Richard’s Stats – Test Cricket

Batting Stats

• Matches: 121
• Innings: 182
• Runs: 8540
• Batting Average in Test Cricket: 50.23
• Best Score: 291
• Hundreds (100s): 24
• Fifties (50s): 45

A batting average above 50 in Test cricket is considered elite, placing Richards among the greats of the game.

Sir Vivian Richard’s Stats – ODI Cricket

• Matches: 187
• Innings: 167
• Runs: 6721
• Best Score: 189*
• Average: 47.00
• Hundreds (100s): 11
• Fifties (50s): 45

Richards excelled in both traditional Test matches and the then-new ODI cricket format, showing his adaptability.

Key Achievements

• Won ICC men’s ODI World Cup twice – 1975 & 1979
• 3rd fastest batter to reach 5000 runs in Test Cricket – 95 innings
• 3rd fastest batter to reach 5000 runs in ODI Cricket – 114 innings
• 2nd batter to score most runs in a calendar year – 1710
• 2nd batter to score most hundreds in a calendar year – 7

Richards’ influence extended beyond his statistics. He changed how batsmen approached the game, showing that aggressive batting could be successful at the highest level. Many modern T20 batting stars cite Richards as their inspiration, even though he played long before T20 cricket was invented.

1. Sir Don Bradman –

When discussing the Godfather of Cricket, one name stands above all others: Sir Don Bradman. Despite retiring from the sport over 75 years ago, Bradman remains cricket’s greatest statistical anomaly and most revered figure.

Born on August 27, 1908, in New South Wales, Australia, Don Bradman played international cricket for two decades despite his career being interrupted by World War II. His accomplishments are so extraordinary that even Americans unfamiliar with cricket can appreciate them through a simple comparison:

Imagine a baseball player with a lifetime batting average of .449 when the next best player in history hit .366. That’s essentially what Bradman did in cricket, with a batting average of 99.94 when the next best is around 60.

Sir Don Bradman’s Stats – Test Cricket

Batting Stats

• Matches: 52
• Innings: 80
• Runs: 6994
• Batting Average in Test Cricket: 99.94
• Best Score: 334*
• Hundreds (100s): 29
• Fifties (50s): 13

This batting average of 99.94 is nearly 40 points higher than any other player in history who played a significant number of matches. It’s the most remarkable individual statistical achievement in any major sport.

Key Achievements

• Highest Batting Average in Test Cricket – 99.94 (still unbeaten in 2025)
• Most runs in a series by a captain – 810
• Fastest batter to score 6000 runs in Cricket – 68 Innings
• 3rd batter to score most fours in an Innings – 46
• First Batter to score hundreds in consecutive matches in Tests+ODIs+T20s – 6

Bradman’s dominance was so complete that England developed a controversial bowling strategy called “Bodyline” specifically to combat him—imagine a team changing the fundamental way they play just to stop one player.

While W.G. Grace is often cited as cricket’s founding father for his contributions in the 19th century, Sir Don Bradman‘s statistical excellence and lasting influence make him the true Godfather of Cricket on a global scale.

Cricket’s Global Expansion and the American Connection

The legacy of these cricket godfathers is now reaching American shores as cricket expands globally. The sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will introduce millions of Americans to cricket’s rich history and traditions.

American cricket academies are already teaching young players using techniques developed by these legendary cricketers. As cricket’s global reach extends, understanding the sport’s godfathers helps American fans appreciate cricket’s evolution and significance.

Who is the Godfather of Cricket in India

While global cricket has its godfathers, India—cricket’s biggest market—has its own set of legends who shaped the nation’s cricket culture. Let’s explore the top contenders for the Godfather of Cricket in India.

3. Sunil Gavaskar –

Before Sachin Tendulkar was crowned the “God of Cricket,” there was Sunil Gavaskar, India’s first genuine batting superstar. Born on July 10, 1949, in Mumbai, Gavaskar stood just 5’5″ but played with giant courage against the world’s most fearsome bowlers.

In an era when protective equipment was minimal, Gavaskar faced the mighty West Indian pace attacks without a helmet. His perfect technique and concentration made him India’s defensive wall at the top of the batting order.

Sunil Gavaskar was crucial in establishing India as a cricketing power. Before him, India was often considered an easy opponent. After him, India became respected for its batting strength, a tradition that continues today.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Stats – Test Cricket

Batting Stats

• Matches: 125
• Innings: 214
• Runs: 10,122
• Average: 51.12
• Best Score: 236*
• Hundreds (100s): 34
• Fifties (50s): 45

Gavaskar was the first player to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, a monumental achievement.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Stats – ODI Cricket

• Matches: 108
• Innings: 102
• Runs: 3092
• Best Score: 103*
• Average: 35.13
• Hundreds (100s): 1
• Fifties (50s): 27

While his ODI cricket statistics are less impressive, Gavaskar played in the format’s early days when batting approaches were still evolving.

Key Achievements

• 3rd Fastest batter to reach 5000 runs in Cricket – 95 Innings
• 2nd player to take most catches in an Innings in ODIs – 4
• First Indian batter to score 10,000 runs in test cricket
• 3rd most runs in a series by a captain in test matches – 732
• 10th highest partnership for the second wicket in test matches – 344*

After retirement, Gavaskar became an influential commentator, helping explain cricket to new generations of fans, including American viewers just discovering the sport through streaming services.

2. Kapil Dev –

If there’s a single moment that changed Indian cricket forever, it was Kapil Dev lifting the 1983 Cricket World Cup trophy at Lord’s Cricket Ground. As India’s captain, he led the team to their first world title, transforming cricket from a popular sport to a national obsession in India.

Born on January 6, 1959, in Chandigarh, Kapil Dev was India’s first genuine fast bowling all-rounder. In a country that traditionally produced spin bowlers and batsmen, Kapil brought pace, aggression, and athleticism to Indian cricket.

American sports fans might compare him to quarterbacks who can both throw and run—a dual threat that changes how opponents prepare.

Kapil Dev’s Stats – Test Cricket

Batting Stats

• Matches: 131
• Innings: 184
• Runs: 5248
• Average: 31.05
• Best Score: 163
• Hundreds (100s): 8
• Fifties (50s): 27

Bowling Stats

• Matches: 131
• Innings: 227
• Wickets: 434
• Best Bowling in a match: 11/146
• Best Bowling Figures: 9/83
• Economy Rate in Bowling: 2.79
• 5-Wickets Haul: 23

When he retired, Kapil held the world record for most wickets in Test cricket with 434.

Kapil Dev’s Stats – ODI Cricket

Batting Stats

• Matches: 225
• Innings: 198
• Runs: 3783
• Average: 23.79
• Best Score: 175*
• Hundreds (100s): 1
• Fifties (50s): 14

His 175* against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup, when India was struggling at 17-5, remains one of cricket’s greatest comeback innings.

Bowling Stats

• Matches: 225
• Innings: 221
• Wickets: 253
• Best Bowling in a match: 5/43
• Best Bowling Figures: 5/43
• Economy Rate in Bowling: 3.71
• 5-Wickets Haul: 1

Key Achievements

• Best bowling figures in an Innings by a captain – 9 wickets
• 2nd bowler to make most wickets as hit wicket – 3 wickets
• 2nd highest partnership for the ninth wicket in ODI matches – 126 runs
• 8th player to take most wickets as LBW across all formats – 152
• 8th best economy rate in an Innings – 0.57

Kapil’s greatest achievement was changing India’s cricket mentality. Before him, Indian teams often played not to lose. Under his captaincy, they played to win, a philosophy that continues in Indian cricket today.

1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni –

If modern Indian cricket has a true Godfather, it’s Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni). Born on July 7, 1981, in Ranchi, Jharkhand, Dhoni transformed Indian cricket through his calm leadership, innovative tactics, and ability to finish high-pressure matches.

MS Dhoni made his international debut in 2004 and retired from international cricket in 2019. During this period, he became the first captain to win all ICC titles: the T20 World Cup (2007), the ODI World Cup (2011), and the Champions Trophy (2013).

After India’s 2011 World Cup victory, Dhoni focused on rebuilding the team. Veterans like Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, and Harbhajan Singh were gradually replaced by younger players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan—all of whom became cricket stars under Dhoni’s mentorship.

MS Dhoni’s Stats – Test Cricket

• Matches: 90
• Innings: 144
• Runs: 4876
• Average: 38.09
• Best Score: 224
• Hundreds (100s): 6
• Fifties (50s): 33

MS Dhoni’s Stats – ODI Cricket

• Matches: 350
• Innings: 297
• Runs: 10,778
• Best Score: 183*
• Average: 50.57
• Hundreds (100s): 10
• Fifties (50s): 73

His average of over 50 in ODI cricket is exceptional for a wicketkeeper who often batted in difficult situations.

MS Dhoni’s Stats – T20 Cricket

• Matches: 98
• Innings: 85
• Runs: 1617
• Average: 37.60
• Best Score: 56
• Strike Rate: 126.13
• Fifties (50s): 2

Key Achievements

• First Indian Captain to win all ICC titles
• 6th most Catches in a Test innings – 6
• 5th player with most dismissals as a wicketkeeper in test cricket – 294
• Most dismissals in an innings in ODIs – 6
• Most stumpings in an innings in ODIs – 3

Beyond statistics, Dhoni’s greatest contribution was developing young talent. Players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rohit Sharma flourished under his leadership and are now pillars of Indian cricket.

Americans fans might compare Dhoni to Tom Brady or Derek Jeter—clutch performers who elevated their teams through calm leadership in pressure situations.

The IPL Revolution and American Cricket Investment

The Indian Premier League (IPL) changed cricket economics forever when it launched in 2008. This T20 tournament combined cricket with entertainment, drawing inspiration from American sports leagues like the NBA and NFL.

American investors have recently recognized the IPL’s global potential, with several US-based funds acquiring stakes in IPL franchises. As Major League Cricket grows in America, it’s following the IPL model of franchise-based T20 cricket.

The IPL has its own set of godfathers—leaders who shaped the league’s development and created cricket dynasties.

Who is Godfather of Cricket in IPL Cricket

3. Gautam Gambhir

Former Indian opener and current head coach of the Indian National Cricket Team, Gautam Gambhir played for almost a decade in the IPL. His greatest achievement was transforming the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) into champions under his leadership.

Before Gambhir took over as captain, KKR struggled near the bottom of the table. Under his leadership, they won the IPL trophy twice (2012 and 2014), establishing themselves as a formidable team.

Gautam Gambhir’s legacy extends beyond his personal performances. He identified and developed talents like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and current Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav—all of whom became T20 superstars under his mentorship.

Gautam Gambhir’s Stats – IPL Cricket

• Matches: 154
• Innings: 152
• Runs: 4218
• Average: 30.01
• Best Score: 93
• Strike Rate: 123.91
• Fifties (50s): 36

Key Achievements

• Won IPL trophy 2 times in 2012 & 2014
• Most consecutive fifties in IPL – 5
• Scored more than 4000 runs in IPL career
• Transformed KKR from underperformers to champions
• Successfully mentored players who later became T20 stars

Now as the head coach of the Indian National Cricket Team, Gambhir continues to influence cricket’s future, bringing his tactical understanding and leadership philosophy to the national setup.

2. MS Dhoni

“Thala” (leader) to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans, MS Dhoni is arguably the most successful leader in IPL history. At 42 years old, he was the oldest player in the previous IPL season but remained one of its most influential figures.

In 264 IPL games, Dhoni maintained a strike rate of 137 and an average of 39—extraordinary numbers for a finisher who often batted in high-pressure situations.

Under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK became the joint most successful team in IPL history with five championship titles, equaling Mumbai Indians. More impressively, CSK reached the playoffs in 11 of the 14 seasons they participated in—a consistency unmatched in T20 leagues worldwide.

MS Dhoni’s Stats – IPL Cricket

• Matches: 264*
• Innings: 229
• Runs: 5243
• Average: 39.13
• Best Score: 84
• Strike Rate: 137.54
• Fifties (50s): 24

Key Achievements

• Won 5 IPL titles as Captain
• Played most number of IPL finals in history
• Most Dismissals as Wicketkeeper – 180
• Most Matches as Captain in IPL – 226
• Developed players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dubey, and Shardul Thakur

Dhoni’s greatest strength has been his ability to build team culture. CSK became known for backing players through rough patches and creating an environment where cricketers could perform without fear of failure—a management philosophy now studied in business schools.

1. Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians Captain and current Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma is undoubtedly the most successful leader in IPL history based on championship titles. With five IPL trophies as Mumbai Indians captain and one with Deccan Chargers as a player, Rohit has more IPL titles than any other cricketer.

Recently, Rohit ended India’s 11-year ICC trophy drought by leading the country to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, cementing his legacy as a great leader.

Like other cricket godfathers, Rohit’s impact extends beyond his personal achievements. Under his captaincy, players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Verma developed into international stars.

Rohit Sharma’s Stats – IPL Cricket

• Matches: 257*
• Innings: 252
• Runs: 6628
• Average: 29.72
• Best Score: 109
• Strike Rate: 131.14
• Fifties (50s): 43

Key Achievements

• Won most number of IPL trophies (5 with MI and 1 with Deccan Chargers)
• First batter to score a century and take a hat-trick in IPL
• Most Runs for Mumbai Indians – 5731
• Built MI into the most successful IPL franchise
• Successfully transitioned from talented batsman to strategic captain

Rohit’s captaincy style combines aggression with tactical intelligence. He’s known for making bold bowling changes and field placements that often result in crucial breakthroughs.

Conclusion

So, who is the Godfather of Cricket in 2025? The answer depends on which aspect of cricket history we’re examining.

On a global scale, Sir Don Bradman remains cricket’s ultimate godfather. His statistical achievements and influence on batting technique still resonate almost a century after his prime. His batting average of 99.94 remains cricket’s most untouchable record.

In Indian cricket, MS Dhoni deserves the godfather title for his leadership in all formats and his role in developing the next generation of Indian stars. His calm demeanor and tactical brilliance changed how India approached cricket.

In the IPL, Rohit Sharma stands as the most successful leader with six championship titles and a proven ability to develop young talent into world-class performers.

As cricket continues to grow globally, especially in the United States, these godfathers’ legacies provide blueprints for success. Their approaches to leadership, skill development, and tactical innovation remain relevant even as the sport evolves.

FAQs About the Godfathers of Cricket

1. Who is considered the God of Cricket versus the Godfather? Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as the “God of Cricket” for his batting excellence and impact on the sport. The Godfather of Cricket title typically refers to figures like Sir Don Bradman, who shaped cricket’s development beyond their playing careers.

2. How has T20 cricket changed what makes someone a cricket godfather? T20 cricket has added leadership in franchise leagues to the criteria. Modern godfathers like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma have built dynasties in the IPL while developing young talent, adding a new dimension to the godfather concept.

3. Could an American player ever become a cricket godfather? As cricket grows in America, it’s entirely possible that American players could become influential cricket figures. The first American to achieve international success could have a godfather-like impact on developing cricket in the United States.

4. Why is Sir Don Bradman still relevant in 2025? Don Bradman’s batting average of 99.94 remains cricket’s most remarkable statistical achievement. His techniques and mental approach to batting are still taught today, and his influence on cricket’s development continues to resonate nearly a century later.

5. How has MS Dhoni influenced modern wicketkeeping? MS Dhoni revolutionized wicketkeeping with his lightning-fast stumpings and innovative techniques. His influence extends to tactical aspects, with many modern wicketkeepers assuming leadership roles following Dhoni’s example.

6. What makes Rohit Sharma’s IPL leadership special? Rohit Sharma’s IPL leadership combines tactical brilliance with player development. He’s won six IPL titles while consistently identifying and nurturing talents like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya into world-class performers.

7. How can new American fans learn more about these cricket legends? New American fans can access cricket documentaries on streaming platforms, follow Major League Cricket, and watch historical cricket matches available online. Cricket academies in major US cities also offer opportunities to learn about the sport’s legends and traditions.

8. Will T20 cricket produce different types of godfathers than Test cricket? T20 cricket emphasizes different skills and approaches than Test cricket, so future godfathers might be innovators in areas like power hitting, versatile bowling, and rapid tactical adjustments, rather than the traditional focus on technique and endurance.