The ‘Sultan of Multan’, Virender Sehwag, one of the world’s most furious batsmen to have played the game, has announced his retirement from international cricket and the Indian Premier League, bringing an end to an illustrious career spanning over a decade.
Sehwag had already hinted about his imminent retirement at a function in Dubai yesterday and chose his 37th birthday today to put an end to his amazing career and said he was grateful to have done things his way.
“I have always done what I felt was right and not what conformists thought to be right. God has been kind and I have done what I wanted to do — on the field and in my life. And I had decided some time back that I will retire on my 37th birthday. So today, while I spend my day with my family, I hereby announce my retirement from all forms of International Cricket and from the Indian Premier League,” Sehwag said in a statement.
My message. pic.twitter.com/al07Y5PsYF
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 20, 2015
“Cricket has been my life and continues to be so. Playing for India was a memorable journey and I tried to make it more memorable for my team mates and the Indian cricket fans. I believe that I was reasonably successful in doing so.
“For that, I wish to thank all my team mates over the years – some of the greatest players of the game. I would like to thank all my captains who believed in me and backed me to the hilt. I also thank our greatest partner, the Indian cricket fan, for all the love, support and memories,” he added.
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
In a glorious international career spanning over 12 years, Sehwag played 104 Tests scoring 8586 runs at an impressive average of 49.34, hitting 23 centuries and 32 half-centuries.
He is the only triple centurion in Tests for India having scored a career-best knock of 319 against Pakistan at Multan, which also is an Indian record. He is also one of those rare batsmen to have scored two triple tons with his next one (309) coming against South Africa.
In 251 ODIs, he accumulated 8273 runs at an average of 35.05 and scored 15 hundreds apart from hitting 38 fifties. In 19 Twenty20 Internationals, he managed 394 runs with two half -centuries.
He has been a part of two World Cup winning teams under Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s leadership — 2007 World T20 in South Africa and the ICC ODI World Cup in India.
The decision to retire comes after Sehwag signed up to play in the next year’s Masters Champions League 2020, where only retired cricketers can play. Sehwag was unveiled at the launch ceremony of the veterans 2020 league in Dubai.
The move also comes barely a few days after one of his contemporaries Zaheer Khan decided to call time on his career.
Sehwag had not been in the Indian team since 2013 and had not been in the reckoning either.
Reactions from the cricket fraternity, Bollywwod celebs and political thick and fast.
Take a bow, Virender Sehwag. You brought joy to cricket lovers around the world. Wish you the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/wBZsKt3P7H
— BCCI (@BCCI) 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
Will miss you on the field yaar @virendersehwag. U r the gentlest coolest & bravest of sportsmen I have ever come across. Love & health to u
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) 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
The original opener; the dare devil. Congratulations @virendersehwag paaji on a wonderful journey & all the best for the future. Rab Raakha
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) 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
Thanks for all the awesomeness…
#ThankYouSehwag https://t.co/exjDjZHuR6
— Delhi Daredevils (@DelhiDaredevils) October 20, 2015
What a joy you were to watch @virendersehwag, in parts sublime & in parts exasperating but always exciting. We shall miss watching you play.
— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) October 20, 2015
Best wishes! https://t.co/EztUxJ0Cfv
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) 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
.@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
As Sehwag retires from International Cricket,wish him good health & happy life.Hope he will continue to add value to the game in his own way
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) October 20, 2015