Virender Sehwag Turns 48; Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Munaf Patel Hail ‘Multan Ka Sultan’
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag celebrates his 48th birthday. Teammates Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina share heartfelt tributes to the legend.
The cricketing world is celebrating the birthday of one of India's most fearless opening batsmen, as Virender Sehwag turns 48 on Tuesday. Known for his destructive batting style and nonchalant attitude on the field, the man affectionately called 'Multan Ka Sultan' received a flood of warm wishes from his former teammates and cricketing peers.
Teammates Recall the Magic of 'Viru Paaji'
Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh took to X to share a witty tribute, noting that while bowlers used to be terrified of Sehwag's batting, today it is his humorous remarks that create a storm. Yuvraj wrote, "Pehle Inki batting se bowlers the pareshaan aur ab inki baatein macha deti hain toofan Iss Nawab ka jawab nahi! Happy Birthday Viru lots of love brother and hope you have a lovely year!"
Suresh Raina shared a more emotional message, describing Sehwag as a lifelong inspiration. Raina expressed his gratitude for the support and encouragement he received from the veteran, stating, "Cricket gives you teammates, but some people become lifelong inspirations. You’ve been one of those special people in my journey... Your fearless approach to the game and your belief in playing with heart will continue to inspire generations."
Adding to the celebrations, Munaf Patel praised Sehwag as a "Class Player" and described him as "ek dum Nidar" (completely fearless). Even the BCCI Vice President, Rajeev Shukla, joined in, wishing him excellent health and praising the unforgettable moments Sehwag provided to Indian cricket through his splendid gameplay.
A Legacy of Destruction: The Numbers
Virender Sehwag's career was defined by a refusal to play defensively, a trait that made him a nightmare for bowlers across the globe. His statistics reflect a legacy of dominance:
The Test Titan
- Matches: 104
- Runs: 8,586 at an average of 49.34
- Centuries: 23 (including two triple centuries)
- Fifties: 32
Sehwag holds the unique distinction of being the only Indian cricketer to score two triple centuries in Test cricket. He famously earned the title 'Multan Ka Sultan' after his first triple ton against Pakistan in Multan (2004). He later smashed the fastest Test triple-century in history, scoring 319 off just 304 balls against South Africa in Chennai in 2008, hitting 42 fours and five sixes.
White-Ball Prowess
In the One Day International (ODI) format, Sehwag played 251 matches, amassing 8,273 runs with 15 centuries and 38 fifties. In the T20I circuit, he played 19 matches, scoring 394 runs with a strike rate exceeding 145.
The All-Round Edge and IPL
Beyond his batting, Sehwag was a lethal part-time spinner, claiming 136 international wickets (40 in Tests and 96 in ODIs). In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he represented the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings between 2008 and 2015, scoring 2,728 runs with a high score of 122.
World Cup Glory
The veteran's trophy cabinet is adorned with the most prestigious prizes in the game, having been a vital part of the Indian squads that clinched the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011.
Sehwag officially called time on his illustrious international career in October 2015, leaving behind a blueprint of aggressive batting that continues to inspire young cricketers today.