Mumbai: On his 37th birthday, flamboyant Virender Sehwag, one of the world's most destructive batsmen to have played the game on Tuesday announced his retirement from international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), bringing an end to an illustrious career spanning 14 years.
Sehwag had already hinted about his imminent retirement at a function in Dubai on Monday and chose his 37th birthday to put an end to his amazing career and said he was grateful to have done things his way.
My message. pic.twitter.com/al07Y5PsYF
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 20, 2015The BCCI top brass heaped rich praise on Sehwag. 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.”
Secretary Anurag Thakur said, “I want to congratulate Viru (Virender Sehwag) 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."
Honouredto hear his voice befor announcing his retirement one of the greatest batsman of altime a legend and a great friend @virendersehwag
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 20, 2015
Indian cricket team’s skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni while praising the efforts of Viru to Indian cricket said, “Didn't see Viv Richards bat in person but I can proudly say I have witnessed Virender Sehwag tearing apart the best bowling attacks,” Dhoni wrote on his Twitter account.
Didn't see Viv Richards bat in person but I can proudly say I have witnessed Virender Sehwag tearing apart the best bowling attacks
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 20, 2015Talent in batting is one thing but to have the mindset of Virupa in batting is as close to impossible as it can get.v keep saying b positive
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 20, 2015Look for a single but he was one person who was always looking for a boundary.many will try to play like u but my advice wd b to enjoy ur
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 20, 2015Batting and be themselves.congrats on a fantastic career
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 20, 2015Many other members from the cricket fraternity expressed their thoughts about Sehwag. Here are some of them.
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Take a bow, Virender Sehwag. You brought joy to cricket lovers around the world. Wish you the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/wBZsKt3P7H
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 20, 2015
@virendersehwag played it like nobody else could! tnx for the mesmerising and thoroughly entertaining career.You gave us ultimate joy @BCCI
— R SRIDHAR (@coach_rsridhar) October 20, 2015
Pleasure to have played with you @virendersehwag bhai. What an amazing career. Thanks for the guidance and the memories. Modern day legend!
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 20, 2015
Clear thinking n attacking stroke play is been hallmark of ur batting! thank u @virendersehwag for grt memories & wonderful friendship!!
— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) October 20, 2015
The original opener; the dare devil. Congratulations @virendersehwag paaji on a wonderful journey & all the best for the future. Rab Raakha
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) October 20, 2015
Congrats bratha @virendersehwag on a fabulous career.A pure entertainer who gave us sooo much joy . Thanks for all the gr8 memories.#LEGEND
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 20, 2015
@virendersehwag Partnerships will never be the same without you bro! Will miss you...India's greatest and the best opening batsman.
— GGF (@GautamGambhir) October 20, 2015
Will miss you on the field yaar @virendersehwag. U r the gentlest coolest & bravest of sportsmen I have ever come across. Love & health to u
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) October 20, 2015It was an absolute joy to watch @Virendersehwag play. It is an even greater honour to know him. One of the nicest human beings ever!
— Anirudh Chaudhry (@AnirudhChaudhry) October 20, 2015Well done on your career legend. Been a privilege to play with and against you. Catch up soon. @virendersehwag https://t.co/gVrOjskOfc
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) October 20, 2015Farewell to an explosive, swashbuckling, thrilling batsman. A man who played cricket the way it should be played. Thank you @virendersehwag.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 20, 2015As Sehwag retires from International Cricket,wish him good health & happy life.Hope he will continue to add value to the game in his own way
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) October 20, 2015
@virendersehwag bhai truly revolutionised the art of opening the batting-in ways changing the way abt scoring runs..
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) October 20, 2015
Viru paji u have been an inspiration to billion's of cricket fans across the world. Thanks for giving us all the joy while u batted.
— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) October 20, 2015
The legend I played with. The miracle I had the fortune of knowing. The most spectacular ever. Will miss u @virendersehwag
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) October 20, 2015
Clear thinking and entertainment were things he used as his weapon.A thorough entertainer,congrats on a wonderful career @virendersehwag .
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) October 20, 2015
Man who changed the perception of modern day batting. Never seen and will never see someone like him in future. Sheer pleasure viru bhai.
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) October 20, 2015
