Virender Sehwag, fondly known as the “Nawab of Najafgarh,” revolutionized opening batting with his fearless stroke play. Representing India from 1999 to 2013, he became one of the most destructive batsmen in world cricket, setting records across all formats. His natural attacking instincts, especially in Test cricket, broke long-held conventions and changed the face of Indian cricket.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Virender Sehwag |
| Nickname | Viru, Nawab of Najafgarh |
| Date of Birth | 20 October 1978 |
| Birthplace | Najafgarh, Delhi, India |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-break |
| Role | Opening Batter |
| International Span | 1999 – 2013 |
| Format | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s | Top Score | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 104 | 8,586 | 49.34 | 23 | 32 | 319 | 82.23 |
| ODI | 251 | 8,273 | 35.05 | 15 | 38 | 219 | 104.33 |
| T20I | 19 | 394 | 21.88 | 0 | 2 | 68 | 145.38 |
| Team | Seasons | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | Top Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Daredevils | 2008–2013 | 79 | 2174 | 28.50 | 0 | 119 |
| Kings XI Punjab | 2014–2015 | 17 | 455 | 26.76 | 1 | 122 |
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Triple Centuries in Tests | 2 (309 vs PAK, 319 vs SA) |
| First Indian to score 300 in Test | Multan, 2004 |
| First Indian to score 200+ in ODIs | 219 vs West Indies, 2011 |
| Only Indian with Test triple & ODI double century | Yes |
| ICC World Cup Winner | 2011 (ODI), 2007 (T20) |
| Fastest Triple Century in Test by an Indian | 278 balls vs South Africa, Chennai 2008 |
| Padma Shri | Awarded in 2010 |
| ICC Team of the Year (Test) | 2008, 2009 |
Born in Delhi, Sehwag learned cricket at the Arora Cricket Academy.
Despite parental resistance after an injury, he persisted.
Played for Delhi in Ranji Trophy and made a mark with consistent domestic performances.
Sehwag’s ability to play aggressively from ball one, even in Tests, was unprecedented. He often dismantled bowling attacks with his hand-eye coordination and fearless approach. His 82+ strike rate in Tests is unmatched for a top-order batter. Sehwag’s legacy lies in changing the perception of how openers could play in red-ball cricket.
Married Aarti Ahlawat in 2004.
Has two sons: Aryavir and Vedant.
Known for his wit and humor, Sehwag is popular on social media and as a cricket commentator.
Virender Sehwag, affectionately known as the “Nawab of Najafgarh,” stands as one of cricket’s most fearless and iconic opening batsmen. Born on October 20, 1978, in Najafgarh, Delhi, Sehwag gained global recognition for his bold and aggressive batting approach. His successful stint with the Indian national team from 1999 to 2013 was just the beginning….
