Virender Sehwag- Best Destructor In History

Sehwag had his international debutant ODI match in 1999 against Pakistan, which marked the birth of the most destructive batsmen in cricket. He is the vital reason I got attracted to cricket and started watching cricket in my 5th grade. There are many forums and circumstances to articulate about Viru's performances but the profound adoration for him by any cricket fanatic is optimum.

He has had a strikingly impressive career, which justifies his nickname- Nawab of Najafgarh. He was the only top order batsmen of that era to have the style of minimal footwork but outrageous strike rate. Sehwag was the face of opening order player who gave the opponent bowlers dreadful nightmares. No matter what form of cricket it was, his career statistics was never against his quality strike. Be it ODI or Test series, he had his own record bar set very high for it to be achieved yet by any Indian cricketer.

*Source: www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/35263.html

Sehwag had his ways of driving the intensely hit ball straight to boundaries which makes him the player with highest runs, maximum strike rate at the least balls faced. His strategy of playing was always touch-and-go. That is why he was considered fiery eyed opener for any bowler. From the first match he was roped into the team till his final match before retirement from all forms of international cricket, unceasingly he portrayed his magnificent approach to the sport he loves.

Sehwag's triumphant records include:

• First Indian to be honored as the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World 2009 and only player to retain that award in 2010

• Highest knock made by an Indian batsmen in Test series(319) which was also the turbo speed triple century in the international test history

• One among the 4 players in the world to twice trump 300 runs in test cricket

• Only player to hit triple centuries twice with add-on 5 wicket in the innings

• One among the only two batsmen in the world to have scored both double century in ODI and triple century in test

• Only player in history to score 7500+ runs combined in test and ODI by an opening batsmen

The records and achievements mentioned here are just 1/5th of his complete career successes. Sehwag exhibited classic talent that made him a player who enhanced the perspective we had on test cricket. Just watching him on field was complete entertainment even if it was a test series, where he would be the paramount eye stealing batsmen. There had been multiple matches when he would stay in the crease from initial over till death over and take up the game by storm.

Never to forget about his exceeding game changing performances in IPL T20 career. From being the Delhi Daredevils skipper to dazzling opener of Kings XI Punjab, Sehwag set his numerous records in IPL too in spite of his playing form taking a downturn. He had been the vice-captain for Indian team under Rahul Dravid and been the captain of Indian team on various situations when he was being criticized of his own accomplishment. Even during his downfall of striking he never was the player who would give up his strategy to let the team face the heat.

Sehwag might not have been the greatest skipper but he is the only destructive performer in history with no other player to surpass his records yet.

Sehwag was the greatest player of all times, providing a whole different angle to entertainment for the viewers. The path he has travelled with passion has never been ceased till date. For he started Sehwag International School, for continuing to live in the journey he has always been cherished.