Virender Sehwag turns 43, birthday wishes pour in from cricket fraternity

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag celebrated his birthday as he turned 43 on Wednesday. On the occasion, several members from the sporting fraternity took to social media to wish the cricketer.

When Sehwag was playing for the country, he maintained a successful run as a cricketer and amassed a total of 8,586 runs from 104 Tests where he played at an average of 49.34 besides also amassing 8,273 runs from 251 ODIs. The former opener also appeared in 19 T20Is for India, accumulating 394 runs.

Apart from conquering the field with his power packed performances, Sehwag also kept his teammates smiling and in cheerful mood with his quick wit and easy going sense of humour. Wishing his former teammate and "opening partner", cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar said with Sehwag around, entertainment and laughter never stopped.


"On the field or off the field, entertainment and laughs never stop when you have Viru around," Tendulkar wrote on Twitter.


Sehwag was also a part of two World Cup-winning squads, led by former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. India clinched the inaugural World T20 in South Africa before lifting the World Cup in 2011 on home turf. He is the only Indian cricketer to score a triple century (300 or more runs) and managed to achieve that feat twice - 309 in 2004 against Pakistan and then 319 in 2008 against South Africa.

"Happy Birthday to the man who was often the difference between a draw and a result. Have a great day partner @virendersehwag," Wasim Jaffer tweeted.

Dale Steyn, legendary South African paceman, had a very special message for Sehwag on his birthday. Taking to social media, Steyn said that the sharpest knife in his house was named Viru, after Sehwag himself, as it cuts through anything.

"My sharpest knife back home is nicknamed Viru, cuts anything! Happy birthday pal! Have a great one @virendersehwag," wrote Steyn.