Viru apologises for not taking batting advice given to him over the years! Read his reason
PUTTING AN END to all speculations about him, star Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag on Tuesday announced his retirement from all forms of the game with immediate effect.
One of India's greatest opening batsmen, Sehwag on Monday clearly indicated that he will "soon" retire. That "soon" came just a day later when the dashing opening batsman turned 37.
Thanks everyone for all ur wishes n love.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 20, 2015
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
However, the Delhi-born will play in the Masters Champions League (MCL), which he launched in Dubai on Monday with other stars like Brian Lara, Graeme Smith, Michael Vaughan -- a tournament to be held early next year for retired cricketers.
Sehwag last represented India in the Test series against Australia in March 2013 and his spot was subsequently filled by the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay following a string of low scores.
A few days back, Sehwag switched his allegiance from Delhi to Haryana in the Ranji Trophy. The swashbuckling right-hander represented Delhi for 18 seasons since 1997-98 but after several poor seasons, that saw him getting dropped from the national team, he decided to make the switch.
In a career spanning over 15 years in international cricket, Sehwag featured in 104 Tests and scored 8,586 runs at a staggering average of 49.34. In 251 One-Day Internationals (ODI), he amassed 8,273 runs at an average of 35.05.
It was in Tests that Sehwag went on to establish himself as one of the very best in the game. He is still the only Indian willower to have a triple century in his name, having done so twice against Pakistan (309 in Multan) and South Africa (319 in Chennai).
This made him the only batsman along with Don Bradman, Chris Gayle and Brian Lara who have scored a triple century twice in Test matches.
His batting was also instrumental in helping India win the 2011 World Cup at home, and is one of the three Indian batsmen to have scored a double century in ODI cricket.
Read Sehwag's full message here:
My message. pic.twitter.com/al07Y5PsYF
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 20, 2015
Sehwag's retirement signals the end of an era that witnessed the best of the explosive opening batsman. Here are former teammates wishing him an emotional farewell:
.@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
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
Talent in batting is one thing but to have the mindset of Virupa in batting is as close to impossible as it can get.v keep saying b positive
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 20, 2015
Look for a single but he was one person who was always looking for a boundary.many will try to play like u but my advice wd b to enjoy ur
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 20, 2015
Batting and be themselves.congrats on a fantastic career
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 20, 2015
Clear thinking n attacking stroke play is been hallmark of ur batting! thank u @virendersehwag for grt memories & wonderful friendship!!
— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) 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
The art of making improbable look easy is the hallmark of a genius. Sehwag was a cricketing genius. #ThankYouSehwag for the memories. 🙏
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 20, 2015
The legend I played with. The miracle I had the fortune of knowing. The most spectacular ever. Will miss u @virendersehwag
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) October 20, 2015
Clear thinking and entertainment were things he used as his weapon.A thorough entertainer,congrats on a wonderful career @virendersehwag .
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) October 20, 2015
Man who changed the perception of modern day batting. Never seen and will never see someone like him in future. Sheer pleasure viru bhai.
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) October 20, 2015
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