Virender Sehwag honoured by BCCI at Feroz Shah Kotla
Former Indian batsman Virender Sehwag was felicitated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the Feroz Shah Kotla before the start of the fourth Test between India and South Africa. The dashing opener was honoured by BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur at his home ground in Delhi.
Sehwag retired from international cricket on October 20 after playing his last Test in 2013. He finished as the fifth-highest run-getter in Tests for India, scoring 8586 runs from 104 Tests at an average of just under 50. Sehwag is the only Indian batsman to have scored triple centuries in the longest format of the game.
The former Delhi batsman was presented with a silver plaque that celebrated all his achievements. Sehwag was joined at the ceremony by his family. He was also honoured after two ends at the Feroz Shah Kotla were named after his triple century achievements – “Viru 319 End” and “Viru 309 End”.
Sehwag had played in the Ranji Trophy for Delhi from 1999 to 2014. This season he has been featuring for Haryana in the Ranji Trophy, and also captains the side.
Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, Sehwag was grateful to all players, captains and coaches who guided him and helped him throughout his international cricket career.
“I would like to thank all my captains, friends and coaches who have helped me to reach where I am. A big thanks to Ganguly, Dravid and Tendulkar for moulding me in my career,” Sehwag said.
Sehwag will be etched in the memory of all cricket fans as one of modern batting legends. His flamboyant style is one that cannot be easily emulated by any other cricketer. When Sehwag was at the crease, it was certain that entertainment was guaranteed.
He is only one of four cricketers to have scored two triple centuries in their careers. Sehwag also won the 2011 World Cup with India. His strike rates in all three formats of the game were a cut above all his peers – 82.23 in Tests, 104.33 in ODIs, and 145.38 in T20Is.
Whether India, or even the cricketing world, will see another batsman like Virender Sehwag is something that remains to be seen. Until then, we can all relive his wonderful moments and adore the unique player that he was.
pic.twitter.com/48dH7iwEZU
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 3, 2015
Thanks to @bcci secretary Anurag thakur pic.twitter.com/Gr5b76ExJI
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 3, 2015
pic.twitter.com/Jf2uqqGGEA
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 3, 2015
Thanks to ddca for this pic.twitter.com/DCs8uLRBaG
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 3, 2015
Dear @virendersehwag you played w/ yur heart & soul on field & the next generation of cricketers will draw inspiration frm yur game! @BCCI
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) December 3, 2015