Regarding comparisons, Virender Sehwag has shunned them, saying no one in the current Indian lineup whose batting style resembles his.
The Unmatched Legacy of Virender Sehwag: A Revolutionary Cricketer
Virender Sehwag, the former Indian batsman, has left an indelible mark on cricket history, even nine years after his retirement. Sehwag’s dynamic and daring approach to opening the batting in Test cricket has revolutionized the game. The world witnessed the emergence of Sehwag’s school of madness, where he showed that batting while letting yourself loose could be incredibly effective. Sehwag is known for playing some of the most insane knocks of his time. He scored two and multiple triple-centuries, proving he knew how to bat big and long.
Sehwag’s style of play not only transformed the Indian cricket team but also impacted the entire cricket fraternity. His explosive starts as an opener instilled fear in the minds of bowlers worldwide. Sehwag’s fearless approach was a breath of fresh air in an era where Test cricket was considered a game of attrition. He knew how to take calculated risks and convert them into runs, making him a unique and valuable asset for the team. Sehwag’s innovative mindset inspired many young cricketers to follow his path and play cricket in their unique way. Sehwag’s contribution to cricket will always be cherished, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
It is truly remarkable how the name of Virender Sehwag continues to resonate in the cricketing world long after his retirement. The fearless and brash attitude he brought to the opening position in Test cricket has become legendary, with Sehwag being credited with revolutionizing the role. He was a master of playing with abandon, and his unique approach taught the world how effective batting without fear could be. Sehwag’s batting exploits are the stuff of legend: two triple and multiple double centuries, all of which underline his ability to bat long and hard.
But despite his unquestionable legacy, it is surprising that Sehwag is still being compared to young cricketers today. Former cricketers repeatedly make comparisons, saying that a new player “reminds me of Sehwag.” While it is understandable that players like Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant, with their flamboyance and aggression, are often mentioned in the same breath as Sehwag, the man himself has categorically rejected such comparisons. According to Sehwag, there is no one in the current Indian team whose batting style is similar to his. It is a testament to the uniqueness of Sehwag’s approach that it remains unmatched even after all these years.
“I don’t think there is any player in the Indian team who bats like me. The two players who came to Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant come to mind as those who have gotten close. I think Rishabh Pant is slightly closer to how I used to play in Test cricket, but he is content with 90–100, whereas I used to achieve 200, 250, and 300 and then be satisfied. Sehwag stated during the game, “If he took his game to that level, I believe he can entertain the fans even more, the News18 India Chaupal.
Almost a decade after Virender Sehwag bid farewell to the game, his name still resonates as a revolutionary cricketer who changed the dynamics of the Test cricket opening. In the history of Indian cricket, Sehwag remains the only player to have hit two triple centuries in Tests, and on another occasion, he fell just seven runs short of his third. Sehwag’s approach to batting was exhilarating, with his swashbuckling style leaving opponents intimidated and fans in awe.
The ‘Nawab of Najafgarh,’ as he was popularly known, was never afraid to take risks on the field, and this is what set him apart from other players. He firmly believed in sticking to his natural game plan, no matter the situation. Sehwag’s batting approach was built on the ideology of playing every ball on its merit, and the guy maintained the same intent throughout his innings, be it batting on 0 or 99. He believed in taking the game to the opposition and had a never-say-die attitude, which made him a nightmare for bowlers. Sehwag’s sheer grit and determination helped him achieve some of the most remarkable feats in Test cricket, making him one of India’s all-time greats.
“I used to play tennis-ball cricket, where my mindset was to hit more runs through boundaries. I played with the same template in international cricket and used it to calculate how many boundaries I needed to score a century. If I am on 90 and reach 100, I take ten balls, and then the opposition has ten balls to get me out, so I used to go for boundaries and give them only two balls to stop me from reaching the triple-digit mark. The risk percentage rate dropped from 100 to 200,” the former India opener mentioned.
