Ian Gould picks Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Jacques Kallis as the best three batsman he has watched

Umpiring in a game of cricket is one of the toughest jobs without a doubt. However, from the spot where an umpire stands, it is one of the best places to watch a batsman bat. On that subject, Ian Gould, during his years as a cricket umpire, might have witnessed some really great innings while officiating.

In a recent interview, Gould was asked which of the three batsmen did he have the most fun watching. The former English umpire had no hesitancy in responding to the question.

In his opinion, Gould enjoyed watching former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis. He further mentioned about Indian batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Gould also mentioned about Ricky Ponting but pointed out that he missed witnessing the best of the Australian. He also provided one of the best compliments for the Indian great Sachin Tendulkar.

‘If you want someone to bat for your life, Sachin was the man’: Ian Gould

“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, outstanding captain, such a proud Australian.

But his career was just starting to wane as I came on the scene. 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,” Gould said during his interview with ESPNCricinfo.

While talking about the current Indian captain, Virat Kohli, Gould had some nice words. Gould also pointed out that there are some similarities between him and Tendulkar. According to him, that huge fan following makes their stature pretty same. He revealed that what a great personality the Indian skipper has.

“He’s a funny man. Yeah, he batted like me a couple of times. I had to tell him off for slogging it. He’s a charmer. He’s one of those guys who’s got, a bit like Sachin Tendulkar, the whole of India on his back, but you wouldn’t know. You could walk into a restaurant and sit and chat with him for hours. He’s a very worldly boy.

When you look at Virat, you’re thinking male model, pin-up boy, but he knows about the game inside out, the past, history. Lovely guy,” Gould said.

Ian Gould stood as an umpire in 70 Tests, 140 ODIs and 37 T20Is between 2006 and 2019. After the Cricket World Cup in 2019, he officially retired from the game as the umpire. During his playing days, he had played 18 ODIs for England.