How twitterati reacted to Virender Sehwag's retirement
While Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh compared him to West Indian legend Vivian Richards, Sachin Tendulkar was grateful to have the best seat in the stadium to see him smash bowlers around the park – here is how Virender Sehwag's teammates and cricket experts reacted to his retirement.
Much like how he played his cricket, Virender Sehwag made his fans gasp with the 'Is he? Isn't he?” question, last night on social media. When he was spotted at the launch of the Masters Champions League in Dubai, alongside retired legends like Brian Lara, Graeme Smith and Michael Vaughan, Indian media were quick to assume that the Viru has retired from International cricket.
The 37-year-old contradicted this news though, as The Hindu published as story titled “Sehwag denies rumours” where the batsman confirmed to the broadsheet that he had not yet retired from any form of cricket. However, just few hours later, he announced his retirement, this time officially. The Nawab of Najafgarh wanted to go on his own terms, not when the media told him to.
As expected, social media has been flooded with posts and tweets about Sehwag, with everyone recalling his swashbuckling – at times unconventional – and aggressive style of batting. Indian players who have played alongside him and experts who have analyzed him, were all full of praise for Sehwag and here are few collection of those tweets.
Didn't see Viv Richards bat in person but I can proudly say I have witnessed Virender Sehwag tearing apart the best bowling attacks
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) 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 n attacking stroke play is been hallmark of ur batting! thank u @virendersehwag for grt memories & wonderful friendship!!
— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) October 20, 2015
.@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
Modern era s Viv Richards @virendersehwag a top player.enjoyed playing and watching u bat and making fun of bowlers pic.twitter.com/VZtXP7lgHu
— Harbhajan Singh (@harbhajan_singh) October 19, 2015
I'm already missing Virender Sehwag. The man who could set a T20 game alight simply by pretending that he was playing a test match.
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) 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
Pleasure to have played with you @virendersehwag bhai. What an amazing career. Thanks for the guidance and the memories. Modern day legend!
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 20, 2015
Honouredto hear his voice befor announcing his retirement one of the greatest batsman of altime a legend and a great friend @virendersehwag
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) 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
Will miss his strokeplay, simplicity & straightforward philosophy. See ball. Hit ball. Embrace life. Thanks @virendersehwag 4 a blockbuster
— Gautam Bhimani (@gbhimani) October 20, 2015
.@virendersehwag is a folk hero all over the cricket world. Can't now get a send-off Test, but can BCCI think up a fitting farewell pls
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 20, 2015
The art of making improbable look easy is the hallmark of a genius. Sehwag was a cricketing genius. #ThankYouSehwag for the memories. 🙏
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 20, 2015