From the small town of Najafgarh, Haryana, Virender Sehwag emerged as one of Indian cricket’s most explosive opening batsmen. Known as the “Nawab of Najafgarh,” Sehwag’s fearless approach revolutionized the game.
Early Life and Introduction to Cricket
Virender Sehwag was born into a Jat family of a grain merchant in Najafgarh, Delhi. Raised in a joint family, he grew up with a love for cricket. Attending Arora Vidya School and later graduating from Jamia Milia Islamia, Sehwag developed his unique and fearless approach to batting under the guidance of his coach, Amar Nath Sharma.
Rise to International Stardom
- Debut for Delhi in the 1997-98 season
- Selected for the North Zone team in the Duleep Trophy (1998-99)
- Played for the Board President’s XI against Pakistan in 1999
- Joined the U-19 team for a South African tour
- Made his international debut for India in 1999
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Virender Sehwag |
| Born | October 20, 1978 |
| Birth Place | Najafgarh, Delhi, India |
| Role | Opening Batsman |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off break |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Career Information |
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| Teams |
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Sehwag’s rise was rapid; his fearless batting in domestic cricket caught selectors’ attention and paved his way into the Indian team.
Record-Breaking Feats
Virender Sehwag, the explosive Indian opener, etched his name in history as the first Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket.
The First Indian Triple Centurion
Sehwag scored an unbeaten 319 runs in the 2008 Chennai Test against South Africa, showcasing his dominance in Test cricket.
Fastest Test 250
In 2009 against Sri Lanka, Sehwag reached 250 runs in just 207 balls, displaying unmatched speed and skill.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 104 | 8,586 | 49.34 | 23 | 32 |
| ODI | 251 | 8,273 | 35.05 | 15 | 38 |
| First-Class | 194 | 14,683 | 47.36 | 42 | 55 |
| List A | 332 | 10,454 | 34.05 | 16 | 57 |
| T20 | 159 | 4,061 | 26.89 | 2 | 24 |
The Legacy of Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag, the “Nawab of Najafgarh,” left an indelible mark on cricket with his fearless approach, pushing the boundaries of aggressive batting and inspiring future generations.
Post-Retirement and Current Role
Since retiring in 2015, Sehwag has taken on a role as a member of the Anti-Doping Appeal Panel under India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. He remains active in domestic leagues and continues to impact cricket off the field.
Sehwag’s IPL Journey
Virender Sehwag’s dynamic presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) began with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), where he showcased his explosive skills and led the team in multiple seasons.
2008 Season
As captain, scored 406 runs in 14 matches with a strike rate of 184.54.
2011 Season
Scored his first IPL century with 119 runs off 56 balls against Deccan Chargers.
2012 Season
Peak performance with 495 runs in 11 matches, including five consecutive half-centuries.
FAQ’s
Who is Virender Sehwag?
A former Indian cricketer known for his fearless batting style.
What records did Sehwag achieve?
He was the first Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket and holds the record for the fastest Test 250.
What was his impact in the IPL?
Played for Delhi Daredevils, scoring a career-high of 119* in 2011 and was known for his aggressive leadership style.
What is his role post-retirement?
Currently, a member of the Anti-Doping Appeal Panel under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India.
This article was authored with insights from Patrick Justin McAfee, a sports analyst with extensive experience in cricket analysis, and reviewed by Pat McAfee, renowned sports writer at thebetindia.com. For more expert cricket insights, visit his Wikipedia page.
