The cricketing world is in mourning following the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies all-rounder who is widely regarded as the greatest cricketer to have ever played the game. Sobers died at his home in Barbados, 11 days before his 90th birthday, marking the end of an era in cricket history.

Tributes From Cricket Legends

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar led the tributes, calling Sobers "the greatest cricketer to walk the earth."

"This is probably the saddest day for the game of cricket. The greatest cricketer to walk the earth has left us. No words can ever do justice to Sir Garfield Sobers, the cricketer. He was everything we dream of becoming when we pick up the bat or the ball as kids," Gavaskar said, as quoted by news agency PTI.

"Memories keep flooding back and that's what I will hold close to my heart forever. Rest in peace, Sir Garfield. You will stay eternally in our hearts," he added.

Current India star Virat Kohli also took to social media to express his condolences, writing: "Cricket has lost one of its greatest. Rest in peace, Sir Garfield Sobers. Your legacy will inspire generations."

A Legendary Career

Sobers represented the West Indies in 93 Test matches between 1954 and 1974, scoring 8,032 runs at an impressive average of 57.78, including 26 centuries. He also took 235 wickets during his career, showcasing his exceptional all-round abilities.

A left-handed batter, Sobers was equally effective as a left-arm fast-medium bowler, left-arm orthodox spinner, and left-arm wrist spinner. He was also known as one of the finest fielders and close catchers in the game's history.

One of his most memorable achievements came in 1958 when he scored an unbeaten 365 against Pakistan. It was the highest individual score in Test cricket at the time, a record that remained unbeaten for 36 years.

Another landmark came in 1968 when, while playing county cricket for Nottinghamshire, he became the first player to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket. The feat came against Malcolm Nash of Glamorgan, a moment that remains iconic in cricket lore.

Legacy and Honors

Sobers was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1975 for his services to cricket. In 2000, he was named one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the 20th Century, further cementing his place among the all-time greats of the sport.

His name also lives on through the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, the ICC's annual award presented to the outstanding men's international cricketer across all formats - a fitting testament to his legacy as the benchmark for all-round excellence in cricket.