Cricket is a game that has evolved tremendously over the years. From its inception, many players have come and gone, each leaving a mark, whether as individuals or as part of a group. But when a player's impact is recognized across the globe by fans and continues to be celebrated long after the game has changed, that player is remembered as a Godfather of Cricket.
These are the icons who shaped generations, the ones who glued people to their televisions and inspired millions to pick up the sport. From Don Bradman’s trailblazing legacy in the early 20th century to Sachin Tendulkar inspiring a nation to dream, here are 6 cricketing legends considered the Godfathers of the game.
WG Grace – Pioneer of the Game
WG Grace, often called the Pioneer of Cricket, transformed it from a casual pastime into a professional sport. The legendary English cricketer was one of the earliest known all-rounders. He changed the way the game was played and is also credited with introducing the overarm bowling action.
Referred to as the “Father of Modern Cricket,” WG Grace inspired generations. His influence helped players understand and embrace the game in a new way. He was a one-man revolution who paved the way for billions to fall in love with cricket in the modern era.
WG Grace – Test Stats
Matches: 22
Runs: 1098
Average: 34
Highest: 170
50/100: 5/2
Wickets: 9
Don Bradman – The ‘Don’ of Cricket
Sir Donald Bradman of Australia is considered one of the greatest batters of all time. In an era when bowlers dominated, Bradman stood out with an astonishing Test batting average of 99.94. He redefined dominance in cricket and showcased what it meant to excel at the highest level.
Bradman wasn’t just a run machine he was a thinker. His batting techniques were philosophical, and his long innings instilled fear in opposition bowlers. His legacy continues to inspire Australian and world cricket to this day.
Don Bradman – Test Stats
Matches: 52
Runs: 6996
Average: 99.94
Highest: 334*
50/100: 13/29
Clive Lloyd – The Powerful Captain
Clive Lloyd led the West Indies during their most dominant era. He captained the team to victory in the first-ever Cricket World Cup in 1975, and again in 1979 — becoming the first captain to win back-to-back titles.
Under Lloyd, West Indies cricket was ruled by tall, aggressive, and fearsome bowlers. The team dominated a decade of world cricket. As an all-rounder and a commanding leader, Clive Lloyd was a true match-winner and the face of West Indies’ golden era.
Clive Lloyd – Test Stats
Matches: 110
Runs: 7515
Average: 46.71
Highest: 242
50/100: 39/19
Wickets: 10
Clive Lloyd – ODI Stats
Matches: 87
Runs: 1977
Average: 39.5
Highest: 102
50/100: 11/1
Wickets: 7
Sunil Gavaskar – The Little Master
Sunil Gavaskar was a modern-day great from India who revolutionized batting against fast bowlers. Known for his calm demeanor and rock-solid technique, Gavaskar became the first player in the world to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket.
His style was more defensive, but it was flawless. Even the fastest bowlers couldn’t breach his defense. A key part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, Gavaskar inspired countless youngsters to pursue cricket. He remains one of the most influential figures in Indian cricket history.
Sunil Gavaskar – Test Stats
Matches: 125
Runs: 10122
Average: 51
Highest: 236*
50/100: 45/34
Sunil Gavaskar – ODI Stats
Matches: 108
Runs: 3092
Average: 38
Highest: 103*
50/100: 27/1
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Sachin Tendulkar – Master Blaster
Sachin Tendulkar made his debut at age 16 and took 76 innings to score his first century. He went on to become the first cricketer ever to score 100 international centuries. Following in his idol Sunil Gavaskar’s footsteps, Sachin carved out his own unforgettable legacy.
In an era when ODIs were still finding their rhythm, Sachin showed how to play the 50-over format aggressively. He was the first to score a double century in ODIs and gave the format new life.
More than his stats, Sachin gave Indian fans hope. As long as he was at the crease, the nation believed. Once he was out, TVs were turned off. To this day, millions still regard him as the God of Cricket in India.
His legacy was recently honoured by the ECB, which renamed the Pataudi Trophy to the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy for England vs India Tests, currently taking place in Headingley, Leeds.
Sachin Tendulkar – Test Stats
Matches: 200
Runs: 15921
Average: 53.8
Highest: 248
50/100: 68/51
Catches: 115
Sachin Tendulkar – ODI Stats
Matches: 463
Runs: 18426
Average: 44.08
Highest: 200*
50/100: 96/49
Catches: 140
MS Dhoni – Captain Cool
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, affectionately known as Captain Cool, debuted in 2004 with fearless, aggressive batting and a long-haired style that grabbed everyone's attention. But while his playing style was exciting, it was his captaincy that made him legendary.
Dhoni is the only captain to win all three major ICC trophies — the T20 World Cup, the ODI World Cup, and the Champions Trophy. He brought calm under pressure, lightning-quick reflexes behind the stumps, and a knack for turning matches single-handedly.
Even today, crowds fill stadiums across India just to see him play in IPL 2025. At 43, Dhoni still inspires, and fans continue to hope for one more season of brilliance.
MS Dhoni – Test Stats
Matches: 90
Runs: 4876
Average: 38.1
Highest: 224
50/100: 38/6
Catches: 256
Stumpings: 38
MS Dhoni – ODI Stats
Matches: 350
Runs: 10773
Average: 50.6
Highest: 183*
50/100: 10/73
Catches: 321
Stumpings: 123
MS Dhoni – T20I Stats
Matches: 98
Runs: 1617
Average: 37.6
Highest: 56
50/100: 2/0
Catches: 57
Stumpings: 34
The Legacy Continues
This list will grow as time goes on. Players like Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith, Rohit Sharma, and Kane Williamson are still making their mark and are on track to be remembered as some of the greatest players of the modern era.
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