Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag celebrated his 48th birthday on October 20. Several former teammates, including Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Munaf Patel, along with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president Rajeev Shukla, extended their felicitations to the cricketer, affectionately known as the ‘Multan Ka Sultan’.Yuvraj Singh praised Sehwag’s batting and wit in a message on X, stating, “Pehle Inki batting se bowlers the pareshaan aur ab inki baatein macha deti hain toofan Iss Nawab ka jawab nahi! Happy Birthday Viru lots of love brother and hope you have a lovely year!”Suresh Raina also conveyed his good wishes on X, calling Sehwag a lifelong inspiration and praising his fearless approach to the game as well as the bond they share. He wrote, “Happy Birthday @virendersehwag Viru paaji. Cricket gives you teammates, but some people become lifelong inspirations. You’ve been one of those special people in my journey, always motivating me and supporting me along the way. I’ll always be grateful for the encouragement, the memories and the bond we share. Your fearless approach to the game and your belief in playing with heart will continue to inspire generations. Wishing you endless happiness, great health and all the love you deserve. Lots of love and respect, paaji.”Munaf Patel remarked, “Happy Birthday Virender Sehwag Wishing you a Healthy life ahead @virendersehwag Such a Class Player India got ek dum Nidar.”Rajeev Shukla praised Sehwag’s fearless batting and contributions to Indian cricket, stating, “Heartfelt birthday wishes to former Indian cricketer @virendersehwag. Your fearless batting and splendid gameplay have given Indian cricket many unforgettable moments. May God bless you with excellent health, happiness, and continued success.”During a 12-year Test career spanning 104 matches, Sehwag scored 8,586 runs at an average of 49.34, including 23 centuries and 32 fifties. He became the fastest player to score a Test triple century, achieving the feat off 278 deliveries. Sehwag joined Don Bradman and Brian Lara by scoring two triple centuries, with his highest of 319 runs off 304 balls recorded against South Africa in Chennai in 2008. His first triple century came against Pakistan in Multan in 2004, which earned him the nickname ‘Multan Ka Sultan’. He remains the only Indian cricketer to score two triple centuries in Test cricket.In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Sehwag featured in 251 matches, accumulating 8,273 runs with 15 centuries and 38 fifties at an average of 35.05. He retired from all forms of international cricket in October 2015. In the Twenty20 International (T20I) format, he played 19 matches and scored 394 runs at an average of 21.88, with a strike rate exceeding 145, including two half-centuries and a top score of 68.Sehwag also contributed as a part-time spinner, taking 136 international wickets—40 in Tests and 96 in ODIs. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he represented Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings between 2008 and 2015, scoring 2,728 runs in 104 matches at an average of 27.55, with two centuries and 16 fifties, and a best score of 122.Sehwag was part of the Indian squads that won the ICC T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011.
Virender Sehwag turns 48; teammates and BCCI VP send wishes
