New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, widely regarded as one of the most entertaining batsmen to have played cricket, turns 38 today. Viru, who now has a huge fan base on Twitter as a result of his unmatchable sense of humour, is currently a part of the commentary team for the ongoing five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand.


COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Having made his debut for the Indian cricket team against Pakistan in Mohali in 1999, Sehwag went on to become the one of the most prolific batsmen in world cricket. Despite not being the most technically sound batsman in the Indian team, Sehwag was blessed with a brilliant hand-eye coordination, with which he decimated the best of the bowlers across the world.


Sehwag represented India in 104 Tests and 251 ODIs. Interestingly, he announced retirement from international cricket on his birthday – on October 20, 2015.


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), along with thousands of cricket fans wished the Nawab of Nazafgarh on his special day.



Such has been his presence on Twitter, that stalwarts like VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble have openly praised his utilisation of 140 characters on Twitter.


Here are some lesser-known facts about Sehwag you must know:


1) Viru has several nicknames. He is also known as Nawab of Najafgarh, Sultan of Multan - that came along with his Triple century in Multan against Pakistan. When he started playing for India, some of his shots reminded fans of legendary Sachin Tendulkar, which is why he is also known as the Little Tendulkar.


2) India's top three scores in ODIs are 418, 414 and 413. Interestingly, in all the three matches, Sehwag hit centuries. When India scored 418 runs against West Indies at Indore, Sehwag slammed a double ton (219). In the ODI against Sri Lanka where India posted 414 runs, Viru was once again the highest run-scorer for the team with a stupendous 146-run knock. When India scored 413 runs against Bermuda in ICC World Cup, Sehwag once again played a match-winning 114-run knock.


3) Virender Sehwag is the only Indian cricketer to have a Test century to his name. Interestingly, Sehwag has not just one, but two triple centuries to his name.


4) While most of the batsmen focus the most on batting, Sehwag had a rare habit of singing songs while batting. The swashbuckling right-hander is fond of romantic Hindi film music. Some of his favorite singers are Kishore Kumar, M.D. Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu.


5) While he made his debut Test memorable by slamming a century against South Africa in 2001, it was marred by an incident where he was banned by umpire Mike Denness for excessive appealing. He missed out on the next match.