India's explosive opening batsman walks away from all forms of cricket on his 37th birthday
Sehwag celebrates birthday, retires
Like he did in his days opening the batting for India, Virender Sehwag has gone out with a bang.
On his 37th birthday, Sehwag announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, from international level to the Indian Premier League.
In a statement on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s website, Sehwag thanked family, friends, teammates, sponsors and the media for their support and involvement in a career that spanned a dozen years and 104 Tests.
I hereby retire from all forms of international cricket and from the Indian Premier League. A statement will follow.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 20, 2015
My message. pic.twitter.com/al07Y5PsYF
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 20, 2015
Sehwag says playing against some of the game’s finest players was the greatest motivation to play at his absolute best, and when the dashing right-hander was in full flight at the top of the order, there were few batsmen in the world that could match his explosive and expansive stroke play.
His strike rate of 82.23 runs scored per 100 balls faced is better than modern master blasters Adam Gilchrist (81.95), David Warner (74.39) and Chris Gayle (60.26).
Well done on your career legend. Been a privilege to play with and against you. Catch up soon. @virendersehwag https://t.co/gVrOjskOfc
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) October 20, 2015
Sehwag, whose technique and style was likened to batting deity Sachin Tendulkar, blasted 23 centuries and fell seven runs short of becoming the first batsman in history to score three Test triple-centuries when he was out for 293 against Sri Lanka in 2009.
Australian fans at the MCG on Boxing Day, 2003, will never forget Sehwag smashing 195 inside 79 overs, only to be denied his first double-century by the left-arm orthodox spin of Simon Katich.
But ‘Viru’ didn’t have to wait much longer, compiling 309 against Pakistan in Multan two Tests later.
Watch: Sehwag's stunning catch in 2003
Sehwag’s electric, engaging and ultimately effective batting style accumulated 8,586 runs at an average of 49.34, ranking him 16th in the Top 100 Test players of the 21st century.
Sehwag also played 251 one-day internationals, scoring 15 centuries, and was part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning outfit.
.@virendersehwag leaves his signature on the game with his tremendous achievements. Loved his instinctive approach to batting & life. 1/2
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 20, 2015
Had the best seat during most of his superlative performances on field. Am sure Viru'll do much more to bring joy & smiles to our faces 2/2
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 20, 2015
Congrats bratha @virendersehwag on a fabulous career.A pure entertainer who gave us sooo much joy . Thanks for all the gr8 memories.#LEGEND
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 20, 2015
Didn't see Viv Richards bat in person but I can proudly say I have witnessed Virender Sehwag tearing apart the best bowling attacks
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 20, 2015
Pleasure to have played with you @virendersehwag bhai. What an amazing career. Thanks for the guidance and the memories. Modern day legend!
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 20, 2015