"Whole Cricketing World Mourn a Genius": Farokh Engineer Pays Tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers

New Delhi, July 18: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Farokh Engineer has paid a heartfelt tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers, describing the West Indies legend as the most complete cricketer the game has ever produced. Sobers, who passed away on Friday, leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as arguably the finest all-rounder in cricket history.

Engineer said Sobers' death marked one of the saddest moments for the sport, adding that the Barbadian icon was admired not only for his extraordinary cricketing ability but also for his warmth and humility off the field. He revealed that the mood in Barbados was sombre after speaking with former West Indies fast bowler Wes Hall and Sobers' family.

"He was the most complete living cricketer of all time until this sad day. The whole cricketing world will mourn a genius," Engineer said, quoted PTI.

A Story Germinating From Sharing Dressing Rooms

Engineer, who shared the dressing room with Sobers while representing the World XI, reflected on the legendary all-rounder's unmatched versatility. According to the former Indian stumper, Sobers excelled in every department of the game, whether it was batting, fast bowling, spin bowling, or close-in fielding, making him a once-in-a-generation cricketer.

While acknowledging the greatness of batting icons such as Rohan Kanhai, Graham Pollock, Barry Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, and Sachin Tendulkar, Engineer maintained that none matched Sobers' complete skill set. He also recalled keeping wickets to Sobers' bowling and sharing several memorable moments with him on the field, where their understanding developed through countless catches and stumpings.

"He was the best in everything. He could catch better than anyone. He could bowl quick, he could swing the ball better than anyone, and of course, he could bat. I wouldn't say better than everyone, because there have been several great batsmen from the West Indies and around the world, like Rohan Kanhai, Graham Pollock from South Africa, Barry Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, and Sachin Tendulkar," Engineer added.

Farokh Engineer-Gary Sobers: Friendship Beyond Cricket

Their friendship extended well beyond cricket. Engineer fondly remembered spending time with Sobers during county cricket and international tours, describing him as a man who loved life as much as the game. One of his favourite memories was a light-hearted golfing outing in Australia with Sobers and Sunil Gavaskar, where the West Indies great's trademark wit left everyone in stitches.

Engineer also reminisced about his early playing days against the touring West Indies, recalling how Sobers was among the first to congratulate him on a century before eventually dismissing him. For the engineer, Sobers was far more than a cricketing genius-he was a close friend, an outstanding ambassador for Barbados, and a towering figure whose influence on the sport will endure for generations.

With inputs from PTI