Cricket has gifted us with many of the most legendary players in history. But every time there is talk of the GOAT of cricket.
One single question remains on everyone’s mind.
Who is the GOAT of cricket?
The topic “GOAT of cricket” is nothing but strong opinions because fans from every corner would like to present their greatest cricketer of all time.
However, before dishing out this very volatile argument it is first important to grasp what meaning the word “GOAT” carries.
why this title fetches such an imposing name in cricket news?
What is the Meaning of GOAT in Cricket?
The full form of GOAT of cricket is the Greatest of All Time.
It stands for a player who had the greatest impact on the game.
He sets record after record, and the achievements he reaps in the sport have never been seen before.
A player who has all the above qualities is declared the GOAT of cricket, dominating every format that they play in.
The Legends of the Game
Now, while thinking of cricket’s GOAT, the names do come to one’s mind, that makes a very memorable mark on cricket.
The sheer batting brilliance, the mastery of bowling, and some all-rounders have put their marks that further generations of cricket players try to equal those standards.
Let’s take a look at the players that are called GOAT of cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar – The Master Blaster
Sachin Tendulkar‘s name immediately springs to mind when discussing cricket, with over two decades of playing under his belt as “Little Master”.
His performances testify to his immense talent and the impactful impact he brought to the sport.
| Format | Matches | Run | Average | 100s | 50s |
| Test | 200 | 15,921 | 53.78 | 51 | 68 |
| ODI | 463 | 18,426 | 44.83 | 49 | 96 |
| T20I | 1 | 10 | 10.00 | 0 | 0 |
Tendulkar is the man with the most runs both in ODIs and Tests.
He is the GOAT of cricket. Consistency has been enough to play well in all conditions, and longevity cannot be matched with him.
His record-breaking 100 international centuries or the brilliant 200* he made in an ODI define a generation of cricketers.
Sir Donald Bradman: The Undisputed Legend
Another one in the queue comes from Australia, and his name is Sir Donald Bradman.
who still holds this place as the unmatched bassist with an average taken by no other, but this is considered to date as one of the most magnificent achievements in any game or sport.
No batsman before or after has equalled his Test batting average of 99.94.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
| Test | 52 | 6,996 | 99.94 | 6 | 2 |
Bradman’s numbers are truly eye-boggling.
If it is compared to anything else, the next best average in Test cricket is in the 60s.
The great Bradman’s performance in the 1930s and 1940s was simply nothing less than legendary and places him amongst the top run scorers in the GOAT of cricket conversation.
Virat Kohli: The Modern-Day King
Modern cricket has seen Virat Kohli as one of the most consistent and aggressive players.
Records in every format of the game, Kohli is arguably one of the major contenders for cricket GOAT.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
| Test | 106 | 8,584 | 53.41 | 27 | 25 |
| ODI | 207 | 12,769 | 59.07 | 46 | 62 |
| T20I | 115 | 3,159 | 52.65 | 0 | 28 |
Kohli has been the man who has stood out from the rest because of his aggressive approach, consistency in run chases, and ability to deliver under pressure.
His record in chasing down totals in ODIs is legendary.
Want to know how Virat Kohli’s current performances are shaping his legacy? Check out the latest sports news for more updates
Image Credit Britannica
Jacques Kallis: The Ultimate All-Rounder
The debate about the GOAT of cricket cannot be thought of without Jacques Kallis.
He was one of the greatest all-rounders in the game. He would change the course of the match with bat and ball.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Wickets |
| Test | 166 | 10,289 | 55.37 | 45 | 58 | 292 |
| ODI | 328 | 11,579 | 44.36 | 17 | 86 | 273 |
Shane Warne: The King of Spin
And finally, Shane Warne-a name synonymous with spin bowling.
Warne changed leg-spin completely and was forever a threat with his miracle deliveries.
He could twist the ball on any given surface and outwit any batsman in the globe.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | 5-wicket Hauls |
| Test | 145 | 708 | 25.41 | 37 |
| ODI | 194 | 293 | 25.73 | 3 |
Warne’s contribution to the game, particularly in the Ashes series, has left an unerasable mark on cricket history.
He was a magician who created magic with the ball, not only a bowler.
A large number of cricket fans even now argue that Shane Warne is the true GOAT of cricket.
Image Credit Reuters
Conclusion: Who is the GOAT of Cricket?
The GOAT argument has been and is going to probably never reach a full close.
It is individual perspectives, regional pride and, of course, good statistical records.
From Tendulkar’s unmatched masterpieces in the games right down to Shane Warne with magic spin bowling, each had some impact on the world’s game.
Regardless of who you hold worthy of the title GOAT of cricket, there is one thing that stands loud and clear.
These men have defined the game and left a legacy that will live on for ages to come.
Their records, their talents, their passion for cricket-all those things will continue to echo in the annals of the history of the sport.
Of course, whether it is about a person who is the GOAT in cricket or not, each of them has written their name on the cricket ground in the most unbelievable manner.
Whether it was done through records, dominating their rivals, or versatility, each one has been a part of this global game that is cricket.
Goat of cricket
- What is a goat in cricket?
GOAT is used in cricket to refer to the “Greatest of All Time,” that player believed to be the best cricketing history has ever witnessed.
- Is Virat Kohli a goat?
Virat Kohli, for instance, can easily be referred to as a GOAT because of his great records, consistency, and leadership he has always been known for.
- Who are the 2 GOATs in cricket?
Generally, Sachin Tendulkar and Don Bradman have been the two commonly termed GOATs due to their unmatched records and huge influence on the game.
- Who is called the Devil of Cricket?
There is a word for cricketers with a knack for aggressive or even dubious play of cricket- and that has no connection.
- Who is better, Virat or Dhoni?
Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni are also comparable only by personal feelings.
Kohli is noted for his batting prowess, Dhoni for being a great captain and chaser.
- Who is the No. 1 God of Cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar is termed as the “God of Cricket due to his immense popularity.
- What is 111 in Cricket?
Sometimes it is called a “Nelson” because of the historical reference to Admiral Nelson’s eye.
- Why is 87 unlucky in Cricket?
87 is considered unlucky in cricket since it is the score where many players have been dismissed just short of their century, often referred to as a “captain’s knock.”