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Virat Kohli and Sir Garfield Sobers - (Source: ScreenGrab)
On Friday, July 17, cricket lost one of its brightest stars as West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers breathed his last at the age of 89. The cricketing icon, who arguably is the greatest all-rounder of all time, died at his home in Barbados, just a couple of weeks short of his 90th birthday.
Fondly known as the ‘Man who could do anything’ because of his ability to bat, bowl and do so both pace and spin. West Indies cricket took to Twitter to announce the demise of Garry Sobers.
“A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers,” West Indies Cricket wrote on Twitter. Notably, Garfield Sobers ended his career with 8032 runs in 93 Tests, averaging 57.78. Even with the ball, the former West Indies all-rounder took 235 wickets.
Virat Kohli Pays Emotional Tribute To Sir Garfield Sobers
After Sobers’ demise, cricketing legends took to social media platforms to pay their tributes. In the latest events, India legend Virat Kohli too has jumped onto the bandwagon and made a tweet.
“Cricket has lost one of its greatest. Rest in peace, Sir Garfield Sobers. Your legacy will inspire generations,” wrote Virat Kohli on his Twitter.
Notably, Virat Kohli has had the honour of meeting the West Indies great on several occassions when India toured West Indies in the past.
When Virat Kohli Met Sir Garfield Sobers In 2023
One such moment came in July 2023 during India's all-format tour to West Indies. Ahead of the opening Test in Barbados, which marked the final Test appearances in the Caribbean for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Sobers attended India's practice session along with his wife.
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Notably, Sobers waited for the two India veterans and the interaction was beautiful. The two greats expressed their admiration for the West Indies all-rounder and were child-like infront of the cricketing legend.
Virat Kohli Honoured With Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy In 2017, 2018
The ICC has been honouring Sir Garfield Sobers' legacy for a long time now as they have named their annual ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year trophy after the West Indies legend.
The best overall performer in men’s international cricket (Tests, ODIs and T20Is) during the Performance Period recieve the prestigious trophy. Notably, Virat Kohli was honoured with this in 2017 and 2018, winning the trophy consecutively.
Cricketing Legends Pour Wishes For Sir Garfield Sobers
Not just Virat Kohli, but several other cricketing greats too paid their respects to Garfield Sobers.
"Some legends never leave the game. Their legacy lives on forever. Rest in peace, Sir Garry Sobers," tweeted Shikhar Dhawan.
"Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers. A true legend of the game whose brilliance inspired generations across the cricketing world. His contribution to cricket will forever remain unmatched. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans"
It is likely that teams across the world will pay their respects with black armbands in their respective matches.
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