Who is the GOAT of Cricket? Sachin vs Bradman vs Kohli

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Many players across the globe are considered the greatest of all time due to their performance and have left an indelible mark. But who is the real GOAT of cricket in ODI, Test, and other cricket formats?

Though finding the greatest cricketer of all time is a challenging one or subjective, we have listed the top 10 goat of cricket in the world in this article. Keep writing to the end and share it with your cricket fans.

Who is the GOAT of Cricket?

Goat of Cricket in 2025

Sachin Tendulkar is popularly known as the GOAT of cricket due to his consistent performance over 20 years. He has played over 450 matches, setting unbreakable records, including 100 centuries and the most runs in all formats of cricket. In addition to this, Sachin is recognized for his humble background, high sportsmanship, and his commitment to the game of cricket.

Why is Sachin called Greatest of All-Time (G.O.A.T)?

GOAT, or Greatest of All Time, is a title reserved for athletes who redefine excellence in their sport. He scored 100 international centuries, over 34,000 runs, and represented India for 24 years. Debuting at just 16, he became the face of Indian cricket and guided the team to World Cup glory in 2011.

Record-Breaking Career

  • Most international centuries (100) – a record yet to be matched.
  • Highest international runs – Over 34,000 across formats.
  • Most ODI runs (18,426) and most Test runs (15,921).

Longevity and Consistency

  • Played 24 years of international cricket (1989–2013).
  • Maintained elite performance across different eras, bowlers, and formats.

World Cup Achievements

  • Six-time World Cup player (1992–2011).
  • Top scorer in the 1996 and 2003 editions.
  • Crowned his career with a World Cup win in 2011.

Adaptability Across Conditions

  • Dominated in all conditions – from the swinging pitches of England to the bouncy tracks of Australia.
  • Scored runs against the world’s best bowling attacks on every continent.

Pioneer and Trailblazer

  • First player to score a double century in ODIs.
  • Redefined how opening batsmen approached the ODI format.

Global Respect and Influence

  • Admired by peers and legends like Lara, Warne, and Muralitharan.
  • Nicknamed the God of Cricket for his mastery and humility.

Beyond the Numbers & Records

  • A role model of discipline, grace, and dedication.
  • Inspired a generation of cricketers, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and many more.
  • Helped unite a nation with his performances, often shouldering the team’s expectations alone.

Top 10 GOAT of Cricket in the World

Sachin Tendulkar is commonly referred to as the goat of cricket, however, the other top contenders are Don Bradman, Sir Vivian Richards, Shane Warne, Virat Kohli (in modern cricket), and more. Each of them has played a pivotal role in elevating the spirit and global stature of the game.

Player Total Matches Total Runs
Sachin Tendulkar 664 34,357
Don Bradman 52 6,996
Sir Vivian Richards 308 15,261
Shane Warne 194 3,154
Virat Kohli 522 26,532
Kumar Sangakkara 594 28,016
Ricky Ponting 560 27,483
Jacques Kallis 519 25,534
Rahul Dravid 509 24,208
Brian Lara 430 22,358

Don Bradman

Sir Donald Bradman’s Test batting average of 99.94 remains the most iconic statistic in cricket history. He redefined batting excellence and dominated an era with supreme technique and concentration, making him the most efficient run-scorer ever.

Sir Vivian Richards

Richards brought swagger and power to batting, dominating bowlers with fearless stroke play. His presence at the crease was commanding, and he remains one of the most influential figures who revolutionized limited-overs cricket.

Shane Warne

Widely regarded as the greatest leg-spinner of all time, Warne revived spin bowling in an era dominated by pace. With 708 Test wickets and unmatched control, he was both a match-winner and a magician with the ball.

Virat Kohli

The hunger for runs of the King of Cricket, aggressive captaincy, and fitness revolution transformed Indian cricket. With 80+ international centuries and match-winning performances across all formats, he is the modern era’s goat of cricket and ambassador of passion and consistency.

Kumar Sangakkara

One of the most elegant and intelligent batters in the game, Sangakkara combined grace with grit. As a top-order batter and wicketkeeper, he was crucial to Sri Lanka’s golden era and was known for his leadership and calmness.

Ricky Ponting

A two-time World Cup-winning captain, Ricky Ponting was known for his fearless stroke play and tactical sharpness. His leadership, combined with relentless hunger for success, made Australia a dominant force during his era.

Jacques Kallis

Arguably the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, Kallis was a complete package with over 10,000 runs in both Tests and ODIs and 500+ wickets. His balance of bat and ball made him an unmatched asset for South Africa.

Rahul Dravid

Nicknamed “The Wall”, Dravid was praised for his solid technique and mental toughness. He anchored India’s batting lineup for years and was a silent leader, always putting team needs above personal milestones.

Brian Lara

A genius with the bat, Lara holds the record for the highest individual Test score (400*). His flair, timing, and ability to score big under pressure made him one of the most watchable and respected batters in history.

Who is the G.O.A.T. of Cricket in India?

Whether in India or globally, Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as the g.o.a.t. (greatest cricketer of all time) in cricket. However, Virat Kohli is often considered the GOAT of cricket in the modern era for his passion, relentless determination, and unmatched hunger for runs. As a fitness icon, he continues to inspire millions of young fans across India and beyond.

Players are distinguished by iconic nicknames that reflect their unique skills, dominance, and legacy. Here are some of the most popular titles in cricket –

  • GOAT of Cricket – Sachin Tendulkar
  • King of Cricket – Virat Kohli
  • GOD of Cricket – Sachin Tendulkar
  • Godfather of Cricket – William Gilbert Grace
  • Modern GOD of Cricket – Virat Kohli
  • Run Machine of Cricket – Sachin Tendulkar
  • Best Finisher in the World of Cricket – MS Dhoni
  • Baap of IPL – MS Dhoni
  • Chase Master – Virat Kohli
  • Universe Boss – Chris Gayle
  • Sultan of Swing – Wasim Akram
  • 360 – AB de Villiers
  • The Wall of Cricket – Rahul Dravid

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