Ian Gould Names 'Jacques Kallis, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli' As Batsmen He Loved Watching 

Ian Gould, the former English wicket-keeper batsman, succeeded and went to distance in his umpiring career. Gould officiated in more than 250 international matches in his career span of over 13 years before calling time from the ICC’s panel of elite umpires in 2019. Gould officiated in many major matches and tournaments including the clash between arch-rivals India-Pakistan, the Ashes, World Cups, and Champions trophy.

Gould was one of the finest in the business and also saw many careers unfold in front of his eyes. His decisions against Sachin Tendulkar in the 2011 World Cup semi-final might be criticized but he loved the master blaster play. Gould had recently said that he would still give Tendulkar ‘out’ and won’t the decision he made in the marquee tournament. But that does not stop him from confessing that he loved to watch the legend bat.

Ian Gould: Jacques Kallis, I could sit and watch all day, Virat, the same, and Sachin if you want someone to bat for your life

Ian Gould picked up legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and run-machine Virat Kohli he loved to watch. Further talking about his choice, Gould mentioned that he could sit and watch Kallis all day and that holds true for Kohli as well, while Tendulkar is someone he would bat for his life.

“Jacques Kallis. I loved watching Jacques. He was a very, very fine player. Sachin. And probably Virat. I was unlucky in some respects. I didn’t see the best of Ricky Ponting. He was an outstanding character, an outstanding captain, such a proud Australian. But his career was just starting to wane as I came on the scene,” Ian Gould told espncricinfo.

“But he was incredibly helpful, so I’m disappointed I have to leave him out. Jacques Kallis, I could sit and watch all day, Virat, the same. And Sachin, if you want someone to bat for your life, he was the man,” he added.

After retirement Gould has written a book titled ‘My Life In Cricket’ where he highlighted his time as a player and coach.