DDCA to honour Virender Sehwag by naming gate at Feroz Shah Kotla after the former Indian opener
Sehwag played for the Delhi side from 1997 to 2014 and also represented Delhi Daredevils in the IPL
What's the story?
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) will be honouring former Indian opener and Delhi cricketer Virender Sehwag by naming Gate No 2 at the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in the capital city after the 39-year-old.
Sehwag has been one of the most famous cricketers to emerge from Delhi and the DDCA has decided to celebrate the swashbuckling batsman's achievements by naming one of the gates at the stadium in his honour.
"The erstwhile management had in recognition of Mr. Virender Sehwag's many accomplishments promised to name Gate no. 2 as the 'Virender Sehwag' gate and I am giving effect to that promise," said DDCA administrator, Justice (retired) Vikramjit Sen, in a statement.
Sen added that other prominent cricketers who served Delhi cricket with distinction will be honoured in a similar manner in the coming years.
"This is the first of many other initiatives that are being implemented to recognise the contribution of cricketers who have richly contributed to the DDCA.
"A Committee has been formed to assess and recommend other stalwarts from DDCA whose contribution should be recognised and reflected in various parts of the stadium," he added.
In case you didn't know....
Stadiums around the world are often named after cricketers, past and present, as a mark of respect to the players who brought glory to their city with their performances on the field.
Ranging from the Sachin Tendulkar stand at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai to the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia, cricketers have made their presence felt around various statements and considering Sehwag's contribution to the game, it is a richly deserving honour.
The heart of the matter
Born at Najafgarh in Delhi, Sehwag made his first-class debut for the state during the 1997-98 domestic season and continued to do so till 2014 before playing out the final year of his career for Haryana.
He was one of the most destructive batsmen of his time and is one of only four cricketers to have crossed the 300-run mark in Test cricket twice. He also holds the record for scoring the fastest 100 in ODIs by an Indian cricketer among many other feats.
He turned out for Delhi during his time away from the national side and also led the side on many occasions with much distinction and along with Gautam Gambhir, forged a formidable opening partnership for both India and Delhi during their early days.
He also turned out for the Delhi Daredevils side in the IPL from 2008 to 2013 often litting up the Feroz Shah Kotla with the fireworks from his bat.
Loved by fans worldwide, it is truly understandable that the DDCA has decided to enrich the fans experience at the Feroz Shah Kotla by naming one of the gates at the stadium after Sehwag.
Extra Cover: Top 5 game-changing knocks by Sehwag
What's next?
From Vikramjit Sen's words, it seems that other prominent yesteryear players from the state will get their name etched at the Feroz Shah Kotla premises in a similar manner to that of Sehwag.
Author's take
It is truly commendable on part of the DDCA to honour someone like Sehwag who has contributed many memorable moments for the Delhi side as well as the Indian national team in such a manner.
A simple gesture it may be but something the cricket fans would love to experience as a mark of respect to their favourite cricketers.