Cricketing fraternity congratulates Sehwag on his career

Mumbai, Oct 20 : Following the retirement of destructive opening batsman Virender Sehwag on Tuesday, several former and current cricketers thanked the 37-year-old for all the memories and achievements he got on the field.

"Sehwag leaves his sigture on the game with his tremendous achievements. Loved his instinctive approach to batting and life. Had the best seat during most of his superlative performances on field. Am sure Viru will do much more to bring joy and smiles to our faces," Sachin Tendulkar tweeted.

Kumble tweeted: "Nobody batted like you at the top. Congrats on a great career. Great team man. Best wishes to your second innings."

India's limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni also praised Sehwag.

"Didn't see Viv Richards bat in person but I can proudly say I have witnessed Virender Sehwag tearing apart the best bowling attacks. Talent in batting is one thing but to have the mindset of Virupa in batting is as close to impossible as it can get. Viru keep saying b positive," Dhoni said.

"Look for a single but he was one person who was always looking for a boundary. Many will try to play like you but my advice would be to enjoy your batting and be themselves. Congrats on a fantastic career."

In a career spanning over 15 years in intertiol cricket, Sehwag featured in 104 Tests and scored 8,586 runs at a staggering average of 49.34. In 251 One-Day Intertiols (ODI), he amassed 8,273 runs at an average of 35.05. He also scored 38 intertiol hundreds.

"Salute salute salute Salute to the Legend Sehwag, wish you and family the best for future. Go well brother. Modern era's Viv Richards, Sehwag a top player. Enjoyed playing and watching u bat and making fun of bowlers," Harbhajan Singh tweeted.

Leg-spinner Amit Mishra said: "Sehwag bhai truly revolutionised the art of opening the batting in ways changing the way about scoring runs."

Ajinkya Rahane tweeted: "Viru paji u have been an inspiration to billions of cricket fans across the world. Thanks for giving us all the joy while you batted."

The 'wab of jafgarh' last represented India in the Test series against Australia in March 2013 and his spot was subsequently filled by the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay following a string of low scores.

"The legend I played with. The miracle I had the fortune of knowing. The most spectacular ever. Will miss u Sehwag," Suresh Rai said.

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said, "Clear thinking and entertainment were things he used as his weapon. A thorough entertainer, congrats on a wonderful career Sehwag."

Rohit Sharma said: "Man who changed the perception of modern day batting. Never seen and will never see someone like him in future. Sheer pleasure viru bhai."

Sehwag is still the only Indian to have two triple centuries in his me in Tests, having done so against Pakistan (309 in Multan) and South Africa (319 in Cheni). "Congrats Sehwag on a fabulous career. A pure entertainer who gave us sooo much joy. Thanks for all the great memories," V.V.S. Laxman said.

Statemate Shikhar Dhawan tweeted: "The origil opener; the dare devil. Congratulations Sehwag paaji on a wonderful journey and all the best for the future."

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Shashank Manohar said, "Virender Sehwag has had a long and illustrious career. Over the years he has been a great example for his peers and youngsters alike. He has given cricket lovers across the globe a lot of joy with his unique style of batting. He was one of the most feared batsmen. Here's wishing him the best in the future."

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said, "I want to congratulate Viru on a fantastic career. He redefined batting and brought so many laurels to the country. He was like India's very own Sir Viv Richards who would tear bowling attacks to bits. He leaves the game as one of our all-time greats and a role model to young Indians on what all one can achieve through dedication. I wish him the very best for all his future endeavours." IANS