Remembering Sir Garfield Sobers: Farokh Engineer Recalls the Man Behind the Cricketing Legend

Cricket has lost one of its brightest stars, but for the legend Farokh Engineer, it was more of a personal loss as Sobers, a dear friend, passed away yesterday.

Following the death of Sir Garfield Sobers, who passed away on Friday, accolades from people from all corners of the cricketing world were showered on him as one of the game’s greatest-ever cricketers.
The former Indian wicketkeeper-batter recalled the genius of Sobers, who, in his view, was a complete sportsman who had it all, and not just a player who excelled in both batting and bowling.

“He was the most complete living cricketer till this day, and the whole world of cricket will be mourning a genius,” said Engineer while talking to PTI.

A friendship forged through cricket: Farokh Engineer and Sir Garfield Sobers

Farokh Engineer and Garfield Sobers not only shared admiration from opposite ends but also had the honor of playing alongside each other representing the world XI. As a former Indian wicketkeeper, Engineer had the added advantage of seeing Sobers from close quarters and had ample opportunity to watch his all-round skills first-hand.

From graceful batting and bowling to spectacular fielding, Engineers feel that there is hardly any aspect of the game in which Sobers was not the best.
“He was simply the best in all departments. He used to catch anybody in the world. When it came to bowling, he could bowl fast, swing the ball more than anyone else and also bat.”

While Engineer singles out greats such as Rohan Kanhai, Graham Pollock, Barry Richards, Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar for his admiration, he feels that Sobers was in a different league altogether.

As a wicketkeeper, Engineer often kept wicket to Sobers and had the added benefit of seeing him close-up when he was bowling, collecting his catch and effecting his stumpings. The highlight of his reminiscences about Sobers was the wonderful time he spent batting against him.

Beyond the cricket pitch

The two legends also enjoyed the odd break, playing county cricket and touring overseas. Sobers and Engineer share many fond memories of their association outside the game. One incident that the engineer finds particularly entertaining was a holiday in Australia when he, along with fellow cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, spent some quality time playing golf with Sobers.
Sobers is known to have lightened up any gathering with his vibrant personality.

“His wonderful sense of humor will be sadly missed. The man could brighten up any party.”

Before releasing his message publicly, Engineer contacted West Indies fast bowler Wes Hall and members of the Sobers family to get his message across on behalf of the Indian cricket fans who felt deeply saddened at the demise of the great Barbadian cricketer.

A fitting tribute

Farokh Engineer shared one incident that took place during an Indian vs West Indies series in India when Sobers asked him for advice about batting. He was so pleased with the young Indian batsman’s century-making innings and was amongst the first to congratulate him

Later in the same innings, the great West Indies captain saw to it that the young batsman was out leg before wicket.

For Farokh Engineer, that episode sums up Sobers’ greatness and humanity.
“He was a great all-rounder. But more than that, a wonderful ambassador for his country and a friend to all. His contribution to cricket and the game in general will be sorely missed.”

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