The Most Gifted Player in Cricket: AB de Villiers and Garfield Sobers
When discussing the most gifted player in cricket, two names always come to mind: AB de Villiers and Garfield Sobers. Both are revered for their extraordinary talents that extended beyond their respective formats, making them truly immortal figures in the sport.
Mr. 360°: AB de Villiers
ABRAHAM BENJAMIN DE VILLIERS (AB de Villiers)
As Yuzvendra Chahal, his teammate with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), stated during a mid-innings interview, de Villiers’ natural talent in playing unorthodox shots against world-class bowlers is beyond imagination. Although skilled players of the modern era can execute 360° shots, it is de Villiers' ability to do so consistently against the best that sets him apart. Chahal, himself a formidable player, has stated that de Villiers never attempted such shots during training sessions, highlighting the sheer naturalness of his talent.
De Villiers was not just a cricket player but also a multifaceted athlete. He excelled in rugby, tennis, and golf. His ease and grace on the cricket ground were a treat to watch, even when playing against his own nation. Whether batting, fielding, or wicket-keeping, de Villiers was a mesmerizing sight on the field. His nickname, 'Mr. 360°,' reflects his seemingly omnipresent skill and grace, and is often used to describe his ability to hit the ball from any position around the ground with ease. He has been a source of endless pleasures for cricket fans, with stunning innings shown below.
One memorable innings of de Villiers was when he and Faf du Plessis scored just 89 runs from 408 deliveries to save a Test match. Additionally, de Villiers is renowned for his outstanding fielding. He is one of the best fielders ever seen, boasting some of the most astonishing catches, as demonstrated below.
De Villiers' unparalleled talent extends beyond batting. He was also an exceptional fielder. Take a look at some of his stunning catches:
Garfield Sobers: The Ultimate Cricketing Genius
Garfield Peter Altham Sobers, also known as Garfield Sobers, was the first true all-rounder to have made a significant impact in Test cricket. He began as an orthodox slow left arm spinner who could also bat, but over time, his capabilities expanded to include his unique slow left-arm unorthodox left-arm wrist spin and world-class pace bowling. His ability to perform exceptionally well in all roles—batting, bowling, fielding, and wicket-keeping—separated him from all others, earning him the title 'Cricketing Genius'.
Sobers' performances during the 1966 West Indies tour of England stand out as a testament to his genius. In the first Test, he scored 161, while in the second, he made 46 and 163 not out. In the third Test, he contributed 94 runs and took 5 wickets and 4 catches in the second innings, contributing to a West Indies win. In the fourth Test, he scored 174 and took 5–41 and 3–39 for an innings win. Finally, in the final Test at The Oval, he scored 81 and took wickets, but it was the inspiring comeback by England that won them the match. Throughout the series, Sobers led the batting averages with 722 runs at 103.14, took 20 wickets, and secured 10 catches.
I have no doubt that Sobers would have thrived in the limited-overs format, where his all-round skills would have been fully utilized. His natural talent, combined with his passion for the game, made him a true legend in cricket.
AB de Villiers striking a beautifully executed shot. Garfield Sobers in action during the 1966 West Indies tour of England.