New Delhi: When one speaks of the most fearless and impactful cricketers to ever don the Indian jersey, Virender Sehwag’s name shines unmistakably bright. A swashbuckling opener, a part-time off-spinner, and a revolutionary match-winner, Sehwag’s contribution transcended statistics — he redefined how India approached Test and limited-overs cricket.
A Test career full of fire and flair
Sehwag’s Test career was nothing short of spectacular. In an era dominated by batters who built their innings patiently, Sehwag’s method was refreshingly unorthodox. Across 104 Test matches, he amassed 8,586 runs at an average of 49.34, including 23 centuries and 32 fifties.
What made him truly extraordinary were his two triple-centuries, a feat achieved by only a handful of cricketing legends like Don Bradman and Brian Lara. His first triple ton came in Multan (2004), where he hammered 309 against Pakistan, earning the title “Sultan of Multan.”
In 2008, against a world-class South African bowling attack in Chennai, he smashed 319 off just 304 balls, with 42 fours and five sixes. It remains the fastest triple-century in Test cricket, achieved off just 278 deliveries — an unmatched blend of skill, confidence, and audacity.
To this day, Sehwag stands as the only Indian to score two Test triple centuries, making him a true outlier in Indian cricket’s rich history.
A white-ball wrecking machine
Sehwag carried his fearless attitude into the ODI format, becoming one of the most destructive openers the world has ever seen. In 251 ODIs, he scored 8,273 runs at an average of 35.05, with 15 centuries and 38 fifties.
He approached every innings as an opportunity to dominate from ball one, often breaking opposition morale within the first few overs. Sehwag’s ability to turn the game’s momentum in mere minutes made him a nightmare for bowlers across continents.
In T20 Internationals, though he featured in just 19 matches, he maintained a strike rate above 145, scoring 394 runs with a highest score of 68. His aggressive instinct was perfectly suited to the T20 era — a format that mirrored his natural style of play.
A handy bowler and IPL trailblazer
Beyond his batting exploits, Sehwag was a capable off-spinner who frequently provided breakthroughs. He took 136 international wickets, including 40 in Tests and 96 in ODIs, often breaking crucial partnerships.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he represented the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and later the Punjab Kings. Across 104 IPL matches, he scored 2,728 runs at an average of 27.55, with two centuries and 16 fifties. His highest score — 122 runs — remains one of the most entertaining knocks in the tournament’s history.
World Cup glory and farewell
Sehwag’s career was interwoven with some of Indian cricket’s most iconic moments. He was part of both the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup winning squads. His aggressive starts at the top of the order frequently set the tone for India’s victories, providing the foundation for the team’s dominance.
In October 2015, Sehwag announced his retirement from international cricket, drawing the curtains on a career defined by unmatched flair and confidence.
The legacy of Virender Sehwag
More than just numbers, Sehwag’s legacy lies in his fearless spirit. He played cricket with a rare sense of freedom — whether pulling express pace bowlers, stepping out to spinners in Tests, or unleashing boundaries in the powerplay.
He inspired a generation of Indian cricketers to play bold, attacking cricket — paving the way for modern greats who mirror his mindset. Sehwag didn’t just change games; he changed how India thought about cricket. His legacy is not only in the record books but in the very fearlessness of Indian batting today.