Looking Back At Virender Sehwag's Remarkable Cricket Career As He Turns 45

What truly set Virender Sehwag apart was his fearless approach to batting, which catapulted him to the status of one of the most feared opening batsmen in the game.

Virender Sehwag turns 45 on Friday (October 20).

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Celebrating his 45th birthday on Friday (October 20), Virender Sehwag, the former Indian cricketer, leaves fans reminiscing about his illustrious career and remarkable achievements. Sehwag, renowned for his explosive and unorthodox batting style, left an indelible mark on the world of cricket. Across his remarkable career, he amassed an impressive 8,586 runs in 104 Test matches, boasting an average of 49.34.

His prowess extended to One Day Internationals (ODIs), where he notched up 8,273 runs from 251 matches. Sehwag also briefly graced the T20I format, featuring in 19 matches and contributing 394 runs to India's cause. What truly set Sehwag apart was his fearless approach to batting, which catapulted him to the status of one of the most feared opening batsmen in the game. His unique ability to relentlessly attack bowlers, coupled with audacious stroke play, often left opponents utterly bewildered. Minimal footwork, complemented by remarkable hand-eye coordination, enabled him to play shots that appeared implausible.

Virender Sehwag Scored Over 16,000 International runs

Over his career, Sehwag contributed over 16,000 runs for India across all formats, firmly etching his name among the cricketing legends of the nation. Sehwag made his ODI debut against Pakistan in 1999, last playing a match in 2013. His Test journey commenced in 2001 against South Africa in Bloemfontein, with a noteworthy debut in which he scored 105 runs, despite India losing the match.

Sehwag's legacy is adorned with a plethora of records and accolades. He holds the distinction of being the third-highest run-scorer in a single day of a Test match, amassing a total of 284 runs. In the annals of Test cricket, Sehwag stands alone as the only player to record two triple-hundreds and clinched the third-fastest sprint to 7,000 runs in the same format. Moreover, he owns the unique record of securing four catches as a substitute in a Test match. As a captain, he notched the highest number of runs (219) in a single innings. Sehwag's exhilarating brand of cricket and his impact on the sport remains etched in memories of fans.