Who is the Godfather of Cricket - Updated (2025-26)

Cricket over the years has revolutionised. It has seen some massive changes across the formats of the game. The game started in a test format, then slowly shifted to limited overs. In modern-day, the game has become more towards the batters as they score runs easily with the new rules and pitches that now favour the batters. However, some bowlers have been clinical in these tough conditions as well.

W. G. Grace is often considered the pioneer of modern cricket. He transformed the sport in the 19th century with his batting technique, sportsmanship, and influence over the game’s regulations. He had over 54,000 first-class runs. But who is the godfather of cricket? However, there are other cricketers who, over the years, have been the best in their era.

In cricket, a godfather is a player who not only earned personal fame and success but also inspired several talented young players and built a strong reputation. So, let's dive in to find out who is godfather of cricket.

What Makes a Player Godfather in Cricket? - Major Facts

The title of Godfather in cricket is not given to any cricketer, regardless of their exceptional performance throughout their cricketing career. There are some major facts that make a player a great one. Let's have a look at some of those important factors.

• Historical Impact on the Game: Historical impact on the game by the player tells the contribution to the early growth or transformation of cricket, which eventually evolved the game of cricket. With the game of the player, it has an influence on rules, formats, or global expansion of the sport, which makes the player to be the godfather in cricket.
• Legacy & Long-Term Influence: The Legacy and long-term influence of the player are understood by the game of cricket being played by the player throughout the career, which has inspired generations of cricketers and are known to be as a mentor, pioneer, or foundational figure in cricket culture with the benchmark of skills they left in world of cricket.
• Leadership and Vision: This helps in understanding the leadership qualities of the player and his vision in leading the side to win, which involves impactful captaincy or off-field leadership roles like having a good rapport with players in the dressing room. This also includes the strategic thinking that shaped modern cricket ideologies.
• Contribution Beyond Playing: The contribution of the player beyond playing involves the steps taken by the player to improve the cricketing ecosystem by taking up roles in coaching, commentary, administration, or cricket development. This allows them to be involved in cricket even without playing the game. It also involves contributions to building the sport's ecosystem (e.g., academies, boards) and improving it in every possible way they can.
• Respect & Recognition Globally: The respect and recognition of the player gained globally are a result of his exceptional skills in the world of cricket. This shows the player getting acknowledged as a true cricketing statesman by peers and critics, and revered across countries and eras.

Godfather of Cricket - (Updated List 2025-26)

The term “Godfather” is self-defined as it refers to a highly influential and respected figure in cricket. In this article, we will cover the top 7 legends of this game of all time. We have ranked them based on their statistical data as well as on their impact in this sport.

Who Is The Godfather Of Cricket?

Sir Donald Bradman, famously known as "The Don" or the "Godfather of Cricket," is considered the greatest batsman the sport has ever seen. The Australian legend finished his Test career with an extraordinary batting average of 99.94, a record that still stands as one of the most remarkable feats in sports history. From the late 1920s to the late 1940s, Bradman dominated the game with unmatched skill and consistency. His impact went far beyond the pitch, turning him into a national icon in Australia and a respected figure in the cricketing world.

7. Clive Lloyd | West Indies

• Early Life and Career Overview

Clive Lloyd was born on August 31, 1944, in Georgetown, Guyana. He started playing first-class cricket for Guyana in the early 1960s and quickly became known as a strong and reliable middle-order batsman. In 1966, Lloyd made his debut for the West Indies Test team. Clive Lloyd is regarded as one of the greatest ever captains who brought two ICC World Cups for the West Indies in 1975 and 1979.

• Contributions to Cricket

His leadership was considered one of his major contributions to cricket. As a strong middle-order batsman, he scored plenty of crucial runs for the West Indies. But what really made him special was how he captained the team during their golden years in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Influence on Modern Cricket

He was the one responsible for the bold style of play for which the West Indies is still famous. West Indies became one of the most dominant teams during his time, and it almost became unreal for them to repeat his legacy or even maintain it.

Legacy

Clive Lloyd is known as one of the best leaders in cricket history. His legacy lives on in the bold and united way West Indies cricket is still played today, and it goes far beyond his international numbers

6. WG Grace | England

• Early Life and Career Overview

W.G. Grace grew up in a cricket-loving household, where the game was a family passion. His father, Henry Grace, was a doctor who also played cricket as an amateur, and his brothers were keen cricketers too. Often hailed as cricket’s first true superstar, Grace was celebrated not just for his incredible run-scoring ability but also for his larger-than-life presence both on and off the pitch. Over a career that lasted more than forty years, he amassed more than 54,000 runs in first-class cricket and claimed over 2,800 wickets, achievements that remain impressive even by today’s standards.

• Contributions to Cricket

His presence on the field drew huge crowds and captured the attention of the media like never before. Thanks to his popularity, cricket began to shift from being a gentleman’s game played by the elite to a sport enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Though he was officially considered an amateur, Grace made a substantial income through the game. He was the one to split the divide between professional and amateur cricket.

Influence on Modern Cricket

W.G. Grace changed the way people batted in cricket. At a time when most players played safe and slow, he brought in better technique, clever footwork, and a variety of shots. His style made batting more exciting and skilful, much like what we see in today’s game. Grace also became cricket’s first big star; Wherever he played, huge crowds came to watch.

Legacy

His legacy is beyond just stats and numbers. W.G. Grace brought a new dimension to the game at a time when not many people were making those efforts. He was a cricketing legend because of his personality as well as his staggering stats when it comes to first-class cricket.

5. MS Dhoni | India

• Early Life and Career Overview

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, better known as MS Dhoni or simply "Mahi," was born on July 7, 1981, in Ranchi, which was then part of Bihar (now Jharkhand), India. Growing up in a modest household, Dhoni was initially more into football and badminton. He played as a goalkeeper for his school’s football team. It was his coach who first spotted his potential and encouraged him to give cricket a shot, and that one suggestion changed everything. MS Dhoni is the most successful captain of India and the world as well. He is the only captain to win all the ICC trophies. He is arguably one of the best limited-overs captains for the side. He has a calm and composed nature and has won many matches for India with the bat in crunch situations.

• Contributions to Cricket

He was named ‘Captain Cool’ because of his ability to stay calm and collected under pressure. He is considered as godfather of cricket in India. In his 15 years of a long international career, he won the ICC T20 World Cup 2007, the ICC ODI World Cup 2011, and the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. He has retired from international cricket, but continues to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings. He has numerous batting and wicket-keeping records under him. He has 5 IPL trophies to his name, that's why he is called the godfather of cricket in IPL.

Influence on Modern Cricket

MS Dhoni has left a lasting mark on modern cricket, not just with his skills but with the way he led and played the game. He also set a new standard for what it means to be a finisher, staying cool during tense run chases and often taking the game down to the wire before sealing the win. As a wicketkeeper who could also be a match-winning batter, Dhoni inspired a whole new generation of cricketers to take on multiple roles and back themselves under pressure.

Legacy

MS Dhoni’s legacy is about much more than just numbers and trophies. He’s remembered as one of the greatest captains the game has ever seen, guiding India to historic wins in the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. What truly set him apart was his calm, composed style of leadership, his sharp instincts on the field, and his ability to stay cool when the pressure was at its highest. Dhoni didn’t just win games; he changed the way people think about leadership in cricket.

4. Sachin Tendulkar | India

• Early Life and Career Overview

Sachin Tendulkar was born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, into a simple, middle-class family. It was his older brother, Ajit, who first saw the spark in him and introduced him to cricket. Wanting to help Sachin grow, Ajit took him to Shivaji Park in Dadar to train under coach Ramakant Achrekar, a moment that would change Sachin’s life forever. Sachin Tendulkar is called the God of Cricket. Every other person from the 1990s era to the early 2000s started playing cricket and idolised him. Tendulkar was known for his run-scoring ability and has the most runs in international cricket. He also has the most centuries in international cricket. The former India captain has 100 international centuries.

• Contribution to Cricket

Sachin played for nearly 24 years and scored over 18,000 runs in ODI cricket. The Master Blaster has featured in 463 matches for India, showcasing unparalleled consistency that helped him to play for such a long time for the nation. He can also be called the Godfather in Cricket.

Influence on Modern Cricket

Sachin Tendulkar’s impact on modern cricket is deep and unforgettable. Known as the "Little Master" or the "God of Cricket," he didn’t just play the game; he inspired an entire generation, both in India and across the world. With his hard work and focus, he raised the bar for what it means to be a top-level cricketer and showed millions what true dedication to the sport looks like.

Legacy

Sachin was much more than just the numbers and records he set; for over 20 years, he carried the hopes of an entire nation on his shoulders. Whenever he stepped onto the field, millions of people would stop whatever they were doing just to watch him play. Even with all his fame and success, Sachin stayed humble, showing everyone what it truly means to be a role model in sports. Today’s cricket stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma openly say they look up to him and draw inspiration from his journey. His influence is still felt in how the game is played, how players carry themselves, and how fans around the world connect with cricket.

3. Sir Vivian Richards | West Indies

• Early Life and Career Overview

Sir Vivian Richards was born on March 7, 1952, in St. John's, Antigua. He grew up in a simple family, and from a young age, he loved playing sports, especially cricket and football. Even as a kid, his natural athletic ability and fierce competitive spirit stood out. Vivian Richards had a different aura during his prime. He was one of the most destructive batters of his era. His aggressive attitude and ability to dominate bowlers helped the West Indies win two World Cups in 1975 and 1979. Sir Viv averaged a remarkable 66.51 with the bat in the red ball format. He will remain the greatest batter for the Windies.

• Contributions to Cricket

He played for more than a decade and had numerous records under his belt. During the early days, he was an explosive hitter of the ball, and this is the reason he found it easy while playing in white ball cricket. He remains the fastest Windies batter, scoring 5000 runs in the ODI format. He became the first player to score a fifty and to take a five-wicket haul in the same ODI.

Influence on Modern Cricket

Sir Vivian Richards made a massive impact on modern cricket with his bold and aggressive way of playing. Famous for his powerful hitting and calm confidence at the crease, he completely changed how batsmen approached the game, especially in Test matches. Richards proved that you could take control and dominate bowlers simply by playing with strength.

Legacy

Sir Vivian Richards is remembered for his fearless attitude, incredible power, and natural charisma. He was one of the most dominant and thrilling batsmen the game has ever seen, never shying away from facing the toughest bowlers and changing the way cricket was played with his bold, aggressive style.

2. Sir Garfield Sobers | West Indies

• Early Life and Career Overview

Sir Garfield Sobers was born on July 28, 1936, in Bridgetown, Barbados. He grew up in a humble, working-class family and showed a natural knack for sports right from when he was a kid. Sir Garfield Sobers was regarded as the greatest West Indies cricketer of all time. He is widely regarded as cricket’s greatest-ever all-rounder, having been a highly talented bowler, an aggressive batter, and an excellent fielder. He featured for the side from 1954 to 1974, which is nearly two decades. He can also be regarded as the God father of Cricket.

• Contribution to Cricket

Sobers was the first-ever batter to hit six sixes in a single over of six consecutive balls in first-class cricket. His versatility helped him to bowl all kinds of deliveries of left-arm bowling, from spin to fast-medium. He also played football for Barbados, and his physical strength and tactical awareness made him an amazing footballer for the nation as well.

Influence on Modern Cricket

Sir Garfield Sobers has had a huge impact on modern cricket, especially as one of the greatest all-rounders ever. He showed what it means to be a player who can do it all, batting, bowling, and fielding at a top level. His talent in every part of the game taught future cricketers just how important it is to be versatile and contribute in multiple ways.

Legacy

Sir Garfield Sobers is remembered as a true cricketing legend. He’s one of the greatest all-rounders ever, someone who could turn a game around with his batting, bowling, or fielding. His ability to impact every part of the game made him a special player, and his legacy continues to inspire cricketers even today.

1. Sir Donald Bradman | Australia

• Early Life and Career Overview

Sir Donald Bradman was born on August 27, 1908, in the small rural town of Cootamundra in New South Wales, Australia. He grew up in a humble family and fell in love with cricket at a very young age. As a kid, he used to practice his batting with just a cricket stump and a golf ball, spending hours perfecting his game in the backyard. Sir Donald Bradman is the best Australian cricketer of all time. He can be regarded as the God father of Cricket. His career Test batting average of 99.94 is considered to be the greatest achievement by any sportsman in any major sport. No batter is yet close to his amazing average, and it is nearly impossible to be broken in modern-day cricket.

• Contributions to Cricket

Bradman played 52 matches for the Aussies, scoring 6,996 runs, and his highest score was 334. He had 13 hundred and 29 fifties in his 20-year career. The former Australian captain has many records under his name, which are nearly impossible to break. No batter is yet close to his amazing average, and it is nearly impossible to be broken in modern-day cricket.

Influence on Modern Cricket

Sir Donald Bradman’s impact on modern cricket is huge and still felt today. He reached a level of skill and consistency that no one has been able to match, with a batting average of 99.94, a record that’s become almost mythical in the sport. Bradman changed how people practised batting, bringing in new techniques and showing just how important focus and mental strength are in the game.

Legacy

Sir Donald Bradman’s legacy is truly legendary. He’s often called the greatest batsman cricket has ever seen, and his records still set the gold standard today. More than that, he inspired countless players to up their game and helped make cricket a beloved sport for millions around the world.

Who is Godfather of Cricket?

To find out the answer to who is godfather in cricket which we have done a statistical comparison of the top 7 contenders for this title. This list includes the best and pioneers of the game who have impacted its growth in many ways.

Who is the Godfather of Cricket in India

Who is the godfather of cricket in India? The answer to this question is very complex. India's cricketing landscape has changed over the years, and the legends who played a crucial role in this are recognised as the "Godfathers of Cricket in India," including Sachin Tendulkar, the "Master Blaster," who holds countless records. Sunil Gavaskar, the first to 10,000 Test runs, set a strong foundation. Kapil Dev, who led India to its first World Cup in 1983. MS Dhoni has won the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy, which puts him in the list of the godfather of cricket in India. Virat Kohli’s aggressive style led to big wins, like the 2018 Test series in Australia and many more, which can't be counted on fingers.

Here is the statistical comparison among the top 5 contenders for this list:

Godfather of Cricket in IPL

The Indian Premier League has been crafted by some of the legends of this league, including some iconic players. "Thala" MS Dhoni is the leader of the pack of the “Godfather of Cricket in IPL”. He has been an exceptional captain and finisher for Chennai Super Kings over the years, which led CSK to 5 trophies. Virat Kohli, the highest run-scorer in IPL history, has been the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru with his aggressive batting, while Rohit Sharma has led Mumbai Indians (MI) to a record five championships, making him one of the most successful IPL captains. Cricketer who is known as the Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina, was the main pillar of CSK's batting for many seasons with his consistency and quick scoring. Shikhar Dhawan is one of the most consistent openers in IPL history. He was known for his aggressive starts and match-winning knocks across multiple franchises. These five stars have set new benchmarks and defined IPL's legacy.

Here is the statistical comparison among the top 5 contenders for the godfather of cricket in IPL:

Conclusion

Sir Donald Bradman’s impact goes far beyond just cricket. He represents true excellence and the heart of the game. His incredible records on the field still inspire and challenge players all over the world. But Bradman’s influence wasn’t just about runs and averages; his leadership helped shape cricket into the sport we know today, helping it grow and change for the better.

His legacy isn’t just in numbers; it’s part of cricket’s history and future. When we remember what he did, we celebrate someone who didn’t just belong to one era but created a path for generations of cricketers to follow. There have been many greats of the game like Sachin Tendulkar, W.G. Grace, Clive Lloyd, etc., but the one who can be given this name has to be Sir Donald Bradman. He will be forever etched in the hearts and history of the sport.