Virender Sehwag vs Shoaib Akhtar: After iconic battles on field, duo 'clash' in commentary box

New Delhi: Indian cricket greats Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan were signed up by the host broadcaster ahead of the high-profile World Twenty20 event as part of its commentary team.

Staying true to form, Viru has been a revelation in his new role as a cricket pundit. The former India opener has yet again won the hearts of the audiences with his witty remarks and one-liners.

The flamboyant Sehwag's interactions with his once on-field rival Shoaib Akhtar have been thoroughly entertaining.

Be it during pre/post-match shows or in the commentary box, Viru has retained his attacking approach when it comes to dealing with the former Pakistani pacer.

Here is one such delightful exchange the two had during the New Zealand-Australia match in Dharamsala.

Harsha Bhogle: शोएब आपने ने कोट कहां से ली है, अभी तो आप अच्छी खासी टी शर्ट में थे (Shoaib, where did you get that coat from? You were in a nice shirt just a while back.)

Shoaib Akhtar: वो मेरे बाइसेप्स काफी ज्यादा हैं तो मैं नहीं चाहता कि उसे किसी की नजर लगे (Since my biceps are quite big, I don't want anyone to envy my good fortune)

Virender Sehwag: नजर तो आपको लग चुकी है, आपके घुटने का ऑपरेशन हो चुका है। (That has already happened, as you have been recently operated on your knee)

SA: अरे वो तो बहुत साल पहले हुआ था, (That happened several years back)

HB: मैंने सुना आपने सिक्स पैक बनवाया है (I have heard that you now have a six-pack)

SA: अल्लाह का शुक्रिया है कि मैंने काफी मेहनत से बनाया था (Yes, I have worked hard for it)

SA: हर्षा आप तो पिछले 40 सालों से क्रिकेट को करीबी से देख रहे हैं (You have been watching cricket from close quarters for the last 40 years)

HB:  नहीं जी मैं तो 80 साल से क्रिकेट देख रहा हूं, आप अपना शिकार मुझे मत बनाइये, सहवाग पर ही आप हमला जारी रखे (Not 40, I have been watching since last 80 years. You please don't target me and stick to Sehwag)

SA: अरे नहीं हर्षा मैं तो आपकी तारीफ कर रहा हूं ( I was in fact praising you)

HB: आप दोनों लोग जब इस मैच में इस तरह से भिड़ रहे हैं तो भारत-पाक मैच के बीच तो काफी गर्मागर्मी होगी (The way you two are going at each other, it look like the India-Pakistan match will also be a heated affair)

SA: नहीं ऐसा कुछ नहीं है, मुझे बोलना आता है (It's not like that. I have the gift of the gab)

VS: आपका कहने का क्या मतलब है कि मुझे बोलने का तरीका नहीं आता है (Are you trying to say that I don't have it?)

Sehwag did not stop there. He got the perfect opportunity to knock Shoaib out when India beat Pakistan at Eden Gardens on Saturday.

मेरे दोस्त शोएब के लिए ये गाना है आँखों में सारी रात जाएगी तुम को भी कैसे नींद आएगी .. — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 20, 2016

While this is nothing more than friendly banter, the Sehwag-Shoaib combine has definitely entertained cricket lovers.

After their famed rivalry on the pitch, their tussle off it is bound to be as exciting in the remainder of this tournament.