NEW DELHI: The Indian cricket fraternity on Sunday flooded social media with birthday wishes for Indian batting legend Virender Sehwag, who turned 46.
Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar humorously posted on X, noting that Sehwag’s age of 46 is the “perfect mix of four and six,” much like his explosive batting style.
“Happy 46th,Viru! 46 ka matlab hai 4 aur 6 ka perfect mix–bilkul tumhari batting ki tarah.Koi bhagne ki zarurat nahi. Tumhara saal bhi tumhare shots ki tarah dhamakedaar ho!,” posted Sachin.
The official X handle of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wished the legendary batter a very happy birthday, listing his accomplishments.
Sehwag’s long-time teammate and World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also sent his birthday wishes, playfully remarking that Sehwag is the reason bowlers’ economy rates are ruined.
“Wishing a very Happy Birthday to the nawab jiska koi jawaab nahi aur jiski vajah se bowlers ki economy ka hisaab nahi! Loads of love brother, hope you have a smashing year @virendersehwag,” posted Yuvraj.
Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly, one of Sehwag’s biggest supporters during his days coming up as a batter, also posted for his “younger brother”, “Happy birthday to a fantastic player and a younger brother .. wish Him a great day and a happy life ahead [?]@virendersehwag.”
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh also extended his birthday wishes to Sehwag, stating that the memories of his “blazing centuries” will forever remain in the hearts of cricket fans.
Former middle-order batter Suresh Raina also wished Sehwag a happy birthday, thanking him for inspiring generations with his “fearless cricket.”
In his illustrious 104-match Test career, Sehwag amassed 8,586 runs at an impressive average of 49.34, scoring 23 centuries and 32 fifties over 12 years in the longest format.
He holds the record for the fastest Test triple century, reaching 300 off just 278 balls, joining the elite list of Don Bradman and Brian Lara as players with two Test triple tons. Sehwag’s iconic 319 off 304 deliveries came against South Africa in Chennai in 2008, featuring 42 fours and five sixes. His first triple century was scored in 2004 against Pakistan in Multan. Notably, Sehwag remains the only Indian to have two Test triple hundreds.
In addition to his Test success, Sehwag played 251 ODIs, accumulating 8,273 runs at an average of 35.05, with 15 centuries and 38 fifties. He retired from all forms of international cricket in October 2015.
Sehwag also featured in 19 T20Is, scoring 394 runs at an average of 21.88 and a strike rate above 145, including two half-centuries, with a top score of 68.
