True All Rounder - Jacques Kallis
Today, a true all rounder, Jacques Kallis, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. Although he had announced retirement from test cricket during India's tour of South Africa, there was a tiny little hope that he would retire post 2015 World Cup in Australia.
No matter how much you resist in your mind, always this man will be compared with the legendary all rounder Garry Sobers. I have not seen Garry Sobers in action, but I am sure he would not have been much different than Jacques Kallis. What a magnificent player Kallis has been. Two players blended into one. With any of his skill, he will be classified among the greats of the game. Be it pure bowling, pure batting or pure slip catching. He must be a dream man for any captain.
A colossal of player to have in the team. He comes in, does his job in most industrious manner, bowls with new ball, takes flying catches in the slip, what more you can ask from a player. He was the backbone of South African batting line up for many years. He held them together and played lot of match winning and match saving innings. Wonderfully focused like a monk during his stay on the crease. Sharply attacking with ball in his hand and ready to bounce a batsman out of the comfort zone.
But the man was little aloof, hardly read anything about him other than cricket. Kind of private person, it seemed he never enjoyed being in the focus for non-cricketing reasons. Its sad that all he had to show in terms of global trophies was a single Champions Trophy which SA won in Bangladesh. I still remember him sweeping Muralitharan on that evening.
With modern day cricket and its jam packed international schedule, travel all around the world, travel all around India during IPL and still maintaining the desire to be the best in business is what really separates Kallis from the rest. Greame Smith, the former SA captain, called him Sachin Tendulkar of South Africa.
Can not be more fitting compliment than this.
Thank You for the memories Jacques Kallis. Your name is right up there on the top whenever world will list the all rounders.
No matter how much you resist in your mind, always this man will be compared with the legendary all rounder Garry Sobers. I have not seen Garry Sobers in action, but I am sure he would not have been much different than Jacques Kallis. What a magnificent player Kallis has been. Two players blended into one. With any of his skill, he will be classified among the greats of the game. Be it pure bowling, pure batting or pure slip catching. He must be a dream man for any captain.
A colossal of player to have in the team. He comes in, does his job in most industrious manner, bowls with new ball, takes flying catches in the slip, what more you can ask from a player. He was the backbone of South African batting line up for many years. He held them together and played lot of match winning and match saving innings. Wonderfully focused like a monk during his stay on the crease. Sharply attacking with ball in his hand and ready to bounce a batsman out of the comfort zone.
But the man was little aloof, hardly read anything about him other than cricket. Kind of private person, it seemed he never enjoyed being in the focus for non-cricketing reasons. Its sad that all he had to show in terms of global trophies was a single Champions Trophy which SA won in Bangladesh. I still remember him sweeping Muralitharan on that evening.
With modern day cricket and its jam packed international schedule, travel all around the world, travel all around India during IPL and still maintaining the desire to be the best in business is what really separates Kallis from the rest. Greame Smith, the former SA captain, called him Sachin Tendulkar of South Africa.
Can not be more fitting compliment than this.
Thank You for the memories Jacques Kallis. Your name is right up there on the top whenever world will list the all rounders.
posted by Yogesh Mahajan's Blog | 5:44 AM
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