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By:

C.S. Krishnamurthy

21 June 2025 at 2:15:51 pm

The Gentleman Legend

Every sport produces champions. Very few produce figures who become the measure by which all future greatness is judged. Sir Garfield Sobers belonged to that rare company. His passing leaves untouched a reputation that has remained unchallenged for generations. Cricket has witnessed magnificent batsmen, devastating bowlers, athletic fielders and exceptional all-rounders. Yet, whenever the conversation turns to the most complete cricketer the game has produced, Garfield Sobers remains the...

The Gentleman Legend

Every sport produces champions. Very few produce figures who become the measure by which all future greatness is judged. Sir Garfield Sobers belonged to that rare company. His passing leaves untouched a reputation that has remained unchallenged for generations. Cricket has witnessed magnificent batsmen, devastating bowlers, athletic fielders and exceptional all-rounders. Yet, whenever the conversation turns to the most complete cricketer the game has produced, Garfield Sobers remains the benchmark. His achievements have long been part of cricketing folklore. More than 8,000 Test runs at an average above 57, 235 wickets with three distinct styles of left arm bowling, and over 100 catches speak of a player blessed with extraordinary versatility. His unbeaten 365 against Pakistan in 1958 stood as the highest individual Test score for more than 36 years, an innings that reflected both technical brilliance and remarkable concentration. Statistics, however, explain only part of the story. Sobers possessed the rare ability to make difficult things appear effortless. Whether unfurling a cover drive, bowling with the new ball, switching seamlessly to spin as conditions demanded, or producing moments of brilliance in the field, he seemed to play cricket with uncommon ease. He was not merely adaptable. He excelled in every discipline the game offered. Little wonder that generations have searched for “the next Sobers.” Equally little wonder that none has truly emerged. Enduring Legacy One of the defining images of his career came in 1968 when, playing for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan, he became the first cricketer to strike six sixes in a single first-class over. It was an astonishing feat in an era when such aggression was almost unimaginable. Today, boundaries arrive in abundance in franchise cricket. Sobers accomplished the extraordinary long before power hitting became fashionable. Yet his enduring appeal rested on far more than spectacular performances. He played with an infectious sense of freedom that reminded spectators that cricket, despite its pressures, remained a game to be enjoyed. There was elegance without extravagance, confidence without arrogance, and authority without intimidation. The old sporting maxim that "form is temporary, class is permanent" found one of its finest expressions in Sobers. His class lay not only in the manner of his batting or bowling, but also in his conduct. He accepted victories without arrogance and setbacks without bitterness, a rare blend of grace that won him admirers far beyond the boundary ropes. As captain, Sobers led the West Indies during a formative period in Caribbean cricket. The years of complete dominance would come later, but he helped build the confidence and identity that shaped one of the game's greatest teams. Leadership, for him, was never about rhetoric. It was about setting an example. Many anecdotes continue to illuminate his remarkable career. One of the most enduring suggests that if someone were asked to choose a team to save the world, Sobers would be selected first and the rest could follow. It is an exaggeration, certainly, but it captures the esteem in which he was held by teammates, rivals and followers alike. There is another story that reveals the man behind the legend. Throughout his retirement, Sobers remained remarkably approachable, generous with his time and willing to engage with young cricketers wherever he travelled. Knighthood never altered his simplicity. Those who met him often spoke first of his warmth, and only then of his greatness. His affection for India was equally well known, and it was warmly reciprocated. Older cricket followers vividly remember his performances on Indian soil, while younger generations came to know him through stories told by parents, coaches and commentators. Across eras, the verdict remained unchanged. Modern cricket celebrates specialists whose workloads are carefully managed. Sobers represented an age when versatility was indispensable. He responded to every challenge his captain presented without complaint and invariably strengthened the side. “They broke the mould after him” is a phrase often used too freely in sport. In Sobers’ case, it feels entirely justified. Cricket has lost one of its finest ambassadors. The scorebooks will preserve his runs, wickets and catches. Archives will preserve the images. Historians will preserve the achievements. What cannot be fully preserved is the privilege of watching a player who expanded the possibilities of the game while embodying its finest values. Sir Garfield Sobers was not simply the greatest all-round cricketer of his time. He was one of cricket's finest gentlemen. That distinction, perhaps even more than his remarkable records, ensures that his legacy will endure for generations. (The writer is a retired banker and author. Views personal.)

“All Is Well”: A Mantra for Life and Travel

When the mind believes ‘all is well’, the journey—both in life and on the road—becomes infinitely more beautiful.

“All is well” is a powerful mantra that proves its worth in almost every situation in life. At every stage, we experience a mix of fear, excitement, and anxiety. Yet, the moment we reassure ourselves that everything will be fine, we gain the inner strength to face the situation with calm and confidence.


Travel is often seen as hectic and exhausting. Long journeys can tire not just the body but the mind as well. However, when travel is planned thoughtfully with us (goglobalvoyages.in), and arrangements are made in advance, the experience becomes truly pleasurable for leisure travellers.


Once the journey begins, maintaining a comfortable, unhurried pace makes all the difference. Travelling without rushing allows us to observe our surroundings, absorb new experiences, and enjoy the moment. This relaxed approach keeps anxiety in check, steadies the heart rate, and brings a deeper sense of joy and fulfilment.


In essence, mindful planning and a calm mindset turn travel into a source of happiness rather than stress—just as the famous song reminds us.

Dil jo tera baat baat pe ghabraaye

Dil pe rakh ke haath usae tu fuslaa le.

Dil idiot hai; pyaar se usko samjha le.

to hoth ghuma

Seeti bajaa

Seeti bajaa ke bol

O bhaiyya, all is well.


Because when the mind believes “all is well”, the journey—both in life and on the road—becomes infinitely more beautiful.


In 1999, while pursuing my bachelor’s degree in tourism management, we travelled to Uttarakhand to visit the Valley of Flowers and Badrinath. It was a challenging trek for my parents and me. Although we were part of a group from Pune, my parents joined from Jalgaon, while I travelled with the Pune group. I was thrilled about the trip.


Rishikesh lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. Known as the “Yoga Capital of the World”, it is a sacred town in Uttarakhand where the Ganga emerges from the mountains. Renowned for its ancient temples, ashrams, and spiritual significance as a Hindu pilgrimage centre, it is also a hub for yoga, meditation, and adventure tourism. The town’s serenity always fills me with a sense of spiritual mindfulness.


On arrival, we hired an autorickshaw that took us to Lakshman Jhoola, a hanging bridge over the river. Nearby stands its twin, Ram Jhoola. Monkeys rule parts of this area, and from these bridges, the sacred Ganga can be seen flowing magnificently.


The next morning, we began our journey to Joshimath. En route, we passed through Rudraprayag, one of the Panch Prayag, where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet. Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), it is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre in the Garhwal Himalayas and a gateway to Kedarnath.


As we travelled along rough roads at about 30 kph, I admired the beautiful views of the Garhwal Himalayan range. After passing through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag, and Vishnuprayag, we finally reached Joshimath. Situated below Auli, it became our halt, and the next morning we took the ropeway up to Auli.


The Auli Ropeway was one of the highlights of our journey. Connecting Joshimath to Auli, it offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, forests, and valleys. More than just a means of transport, it is among the most scenic ropeways in India.


Auli is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. Its slopes suit both professional skiers and beginners. We were awestruck by the beauty of Auli’s landscape.


The next day, we travelled to Govindghat. From there, the 14-km trek to Ghangaria is scenic, well-maintained, and gently graded with no steep sections. However, the slippery trail made me cautious, so my parents held each other’s hands as we walked closely with our group.


As we wound along the Lakshman Ganga River, we were treated to breathtaking views of waterfalls and lush meadows. Ghangaria, a small settlement, serves as the base camp for trekkers heading to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara.


Finally, the big day arrived—we were set to visit the Valley of Flowers. Established in 1982, the Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district is renowned for its alpine meadows, endemic flowers, and a wide variety of flora.


This richly diverse region is home to rare and endangered animals such as the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep. The park also shelters the Himalayan monal pheasant and other high-altitude bird species.


The very name Valley of Flowers evokes something epic, like a land of deities and immortals. The entire route is a photographer’s paradise, and what unfolded during this trek became one of the most life-transforming experiences I have ever had.


We will continue this thrilling journey in the next article! So stay tuned!


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)

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