Canada: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart… USA: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…
The 13,289th run Kallis scored during the second Test against India made him the highest run getter for South Africa and third highest run getter in world cricket in Test cricket. While it is an achievement in itself, his 292 Test wickets, 200 catches and 45 hundreds alongside those runs make Kallis’ career stats heavy. A record like this built on 19 years in International cricket makes him one of the best contributors in the history of cricket. And while debatable, it will not be too wrong to say that Kallis is the greatest all-rounder to have ever played the game.
While we rightfully celebrate Kallis and his deeds in Test cricket, his presence in South Africa’s rebuilding phase post match-fixing era often remains understated. Having witnessed the impact match-fixing scandal of 1999 had in India, for me, his role to reinstate the fans’ belief is of great significance. Considering Hansie was viewed as a hero by the South African cricket team and fans, the revelations of his involvement shook them. He was someone they trusted, believed in and looked up to since their post-apartheid days in cricket.
Although it took a significant amount of time to rebuild the cricket fans’ relations with South African cricket, Kallis in the company of many others from the South African team played a key part in bringing back the hurt and disillusioned fans to the game. And while his cricketing brilliance is awe-inspiring, his efforts for making people believe again in the game they love is as big an achievement as well.
His on the field performance has made South Africa a matter of envy for many cricket teams. But with him retiring from Test cricket, South Africa have lost their ultimate luxury. Besides, it has opened up a spot in their Test team. Agreed; a cricketer with Kallis’ ability and record is irreplaceable and it is unlikely that a player like him would come up in the near future. And as we cherish that fact, it is also a message for his fans not to draw comparisons with whoever comes in the side.
While it won’t be wrong to expect the new entrant to extract the best out of his abilities and perform well, comparing him with Kallis should be avoided. If not, it could be a great disservice to once in a lifetime cricketer like Kallis and the greatest injustice to a player coming into the South African Test team. Missing him and his presence from the South African Test team is obvious. But if we want to celebrate Kallis and his contributions, then allowing someone else to stamp his own mark will be crucial. It would well be an ultimate tribute to the great man who has just retired from Test cricket.
Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…
Be the first to comment