Feroz Shah Kotla’s Gate no. 2 to be named as ‘Virender Sehwag gate’

Virender Sehwag is undoubtedly one of the most explosive and fluent batsmen to have emerged from Delhi in the past two decades. The Najafgarh-born player made his first-class debut for the state during the 1997-98 domestic season and went on to achieve innumerable feats over the years, making him one of the chief protagonists in Delhi's success in Indian domestic cricket.

Though Feroz Shah Kotla was unfortunate not to witness any of his swashbuckling innings in Indian colours, Sehwag was a crowd favourite playing for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL from 2008 to 2013 and had often lit up the stadium with his fireworks. In recognizing his contribution, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has decided to honour the former Indian opener by naming Gate No. 2 at the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in the capital city after the 39-year-old.

DDCA administrator, Justice (retired) Vikramjit Sen, in a statement, said, “The erstwhile management had in recognition of Mr. Virender Sehwag's many accomplishments promised to name Gate no. 2 as the 'Virender Sehwag' gate and I am giving effect to that promise."

The statement further read, “This is the first of many other initiatives that are being implemented to recognize the contribution of cricketers who have richly contributed to the DDCA. A Committee has been formed to assess and recommend other stalwarts from DDCA whose contribution should be recognized and reflected in various parts of the stadium."

Naming stadiums and stands have been a long-running trend in world cricket. Ranging from the Sachin Tendulkar stand at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai to the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia, it has been considered as a rich honour.