Virender Sehwag, fondly known as Viru, announced his retirement from international cricket and the Indian Premier League.Sehwag chose his 37th birthday and took to micro-blogging site Twitter and put an end to his illustrious career spanning over a decade.
I hereby retire from all forms of international cricket and from the Indian Premier League. A statement will follow.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 20, 2015
"I have always done what I felt was right and not what conformists thought to be right. God has been kind and I have done what I wanted to do -- on the field and in my life. And I had decided some time back that I will retire on my 37th birthday. So today, while I spend my day with my family, I hereby announce my retirement from all forms of International Cricket and from the Indian Premier League," Sehwag said in a statement.
He further stated, “Cricket has been my life and continues to be so. Playing for India was a memorable journey and I tried to make it more memorable for my team mates and the Indian cricket fans. I believe that I was reasonably successful in doing so. For that, I wish to thank all my team mates over the years - some of the greatest players of the game. I would like to thank all my captains who believed in me and backed me to the hilt. I also thank our greatest partner, the Indian cricket fan, for all the love, support and memories.”
Sehwag had not been in the Indian team since 2013 and had not been in the reckoning either.
Sehwag played 104 Tests scoring 8586 runs at an impressive average of 49.34, hitting 23 centuries and 32 half-centuries in his 12 years of international career.
The former Indian batsman is the only triple centurion in Tests for India having scored a career-best knock of 319 against Pakistan at Multan, which also is an Indian record.
Sehwag also has his name in the rare list of batsmen to have scored two triple tons with his next one (309) coming against South Africa.
He was a part of two World Cup winning teams under Mahendra Singh Dhoni's leadership.
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.@virendersehwag leaves his signature on the game with his tremendous achievements. Loved his instinctive approach to batting & life. 1/2
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 20, 2015
Had the best seat during most of his superlative performances on field. Am sure Viru'll do much more to bring joy & smiles to our faces 2/2
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 20, 2015
As 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
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
(Image: Indiatimes)