Sir Garfield Sobers was regarded as one of cricket's greatest all-rounders. (Image: Reuters)Andrew Boyers

Sir Garfield Sobers, one of cricket's greatest all-rounders, dies at 89

Sir Garfield Sobers, the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen, passed away at the age of 89. Just two weeks shy of his 90th birthday.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Garry Sobers represented the West Indies between 1954 and 1974
  • He is considered amongst the greatest all-rounders in the sport
  • He made his international debut at just 17

Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder in the history of cricket, has died at the age of 89, bringing the curtain down on one of the sport's most extraordinary careers.

Born in Barbados on July 28, 1936, Sobers redefined what was possible on a cricket field. A left-handed batting genius, he was equally effective as a left-arm fast-medium bowler and a spinner, while his athleticism made him one of the finest fielders of his generation. His remarkable versatility earned him universal recognition as the complete cricketer.

Cricket West Indies confirmed the death of Sir Garfield Sobers. (Image: Screengrab from X/@@windiescricket)

Sobers made his Test debut for the West Indies at just 17 and went on to play 93 Tests, scoring 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, including 26 centuries. With the ball, he claimed 235 wickets, while his safe hands in the field brought him 109 catches.

Among his greatest achievements was his unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in 1958, then the highest individual score in Test cricket. A decade later, in 1968, he became the first cricketer to hit six sixes in a single over in first-class cricket, an achievement that remains one of the game's most iconic moments.

Sobers also captained the West Indies and inspired generations of cricketers across the Caribbean and beyond. His influence extended far beyond statistics, with his ability to dominate matches in every discipline setting the benchmark for future all-rounders.

Knighted for his services to cricket, Sobers was named one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Century and was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, honours that reflected his towering impact on the sport.

For many, there has never been a more complete cricketer. More than six decades after he first dazzled the cricketing world, Sir Garfield Sobers remains the standard by which every all-rounder is measured.

This is a developing story. It will be updated.

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