Jacques Kallis is a phenomenal cricketer, he is equal to Gary Sobers in my generation: VVS Laxman

Whenever there is debate on who is the greatest allrounder produced in cricket, two names stand out – Gary Sobers and Jacques Kallis. These two were by far the best allrounders in the 60s and 2000s respectively. Sobers played for West Indies in an era where most of the pitches would either spin viciously or spit venom for the fast bowlers. He undoubtedly played a huge role in the batting and bowling departments for West Indies, who dominated that era.

Meanwhile, Kallis carried the burden for South Africa with the bat, but would ably step up as the seam bowler whenever the captain needed his services. The allrounder debate was again touched upon as Star Sports conducted a poll during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand. The former South African player was chosen as the greatest allrounder in Tests beating the likes of Ben Stokes, Ravi Ashwin, and Andrew Flintoff.

The answer was a non-brainer as Kallis’s record speaks for itself. He has scored 13,289 runs at an astonishing average of 55.37. He also has taken 292 wickets at a decent bowling average of 32.65, and add to that over 150 catches and Kallis is right up there.

VVS Laxman reckons Jacques Kallis as a fabulous player

Former India batter VVS Laxman too was in awe of the legendary South African cricketer. The former right-hand batter also pointed out Kallis’s phenomenal record and his ability to win matches singlehandedly since the time he burst onto the scene in 1995. Initially slow to begin with, Kallis prospered under the leadership of late Hansie Cronje, before stamping his authority as the best allrounder under Graeme Smith’s leadership.

“It’s a very simple take here because he (Jacques Kallis) is just a fabulous player. He was a contender in the GOAT batsman category and then, when you see, in the bowling category, he has more than 200 wickets and then in the slips, like Shane mentioned, to take so many catches and so many match & series-winning performance. I have heard so many stories from Sunny Bhai and all those great players about Gary Sobers. So, in my generation the players who I’ve played against or who I saw — I think he (Jacques Kallis) is equal to Gary Sobers. He is just a phenomenal cricketer,” said Laxman.