Happy Birthday Virender Sehwag:
Former Indian opening batsman Virender Sehwag turned 47 on October 20 (Monday). Born in 1978, in Najafgarh, Delhi, Viru made headlines with his remarkable batting performances, still celebrated in the cricket world today. Known as the 'Nawab of Najafgarh' and the 'Sultan of Multan,' Sehwag not only scored runs but reinvented how the game is played, teaching youngsters that aggressive playing isn't just limited to one-day matches but is viable in tests too.
Playing for Delhi in domestic cricket, Sehwag drew attention with his aggressive style. After successful domestic performances, he entered Team India. Sehwag made his ODI debut in April 1999 against Pakistan in Mohali, scoring just 1 run. However, when he debuted in Tests in November 2001 against South Africa in Bloemfontein, he struck a century, scoring 105 runs.
Right-handed batsman Virender Sehwag made his T20 International debut in December 2006 against South Africa, which was also India's first match in this format. He captained the team in that match. Sehwag started his career in the middle order, but when moved to the top order, he flourished, earning a reputation for powerful batting.
...Completing a Triple Century with a Six
Virender Sehwag achieved two triple centuries in Test cricket. The first came in 2004 against Pakistan in Multan, where he scored 309 runs, completing the triple with a six off Saqlain Mushtaq's delivery. Sehwag thus became the first Indian to hit a triple century in Test cricket, earning the title 'Sultan of Multan.' His second triple century came in 2008 against South Africa in Chennai, where he scored 319 runs, which still stands as India's highest Test innings.
Source: aajtak
Against Pakistan in Test cricket, Sehwag holds an impressive record, accumulating 1276 runs in 9 matches at an average of 91.14, with 4 centuries. Overall, Sehwag scored 8586 runs in 104 Test matches at an average of 49.34, comprising 23 centuries and 32 half-centuries. In ODIs, Virender Sehwag was equally impressive.
Virender Sehwag played 251 ODI matches, scoring 8273 runs with 15 centuries and 38 half-centuries. His ODI strike rate was 104.33 with an average of 35.05. In 2011, he scored 219 runs against the West Indies in Indore, the highest score by a captain in an ODI. In T20 International, Sehwag scored 394 runs in 19 matches. He also showcased his skills with the ball, taking 136 wickets in international cricket. Sehwag played a pivotal role in India's triumphs in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.
October 20: A Special Day for Other Cricketers Too
The day of October 20 holds significance in the cricket world for many reasons. On this day in 1963, former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu was born. October 20 also marks the birth of South Africa's legendary fast bowler Allan Donald in 1966. Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan made his ODI debut on October 20, 2010, and Australian cricketer Mitchell Marsh was born on the same date in 1991.
Yet, among all, Virender Sehwag's birthday holds a unique place in the hearts of fans. Sehwag gave a fearless and confident new meaning to Indian cricket. He proved that confidence is more crucial than technique. This legendary batsman provided numerous thrilling moments to Indian fans that remain unforgettable.
