After yesterday’s confusion, Virender Sehwag star announced his retirement from international cricket today via his Twitter handle.
I hereby retire from all forms of international cricket and from the Indian Premier League. A statement will follow.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag)
>October 20, 2015
In an elaborate statement, which he later posted, he thanked the people who were part of his cricketing journey. In his typical style, he ended the statement, saying:
I also want to thank everyone for all the cricketing advice given to me over the years and apologise for not accepting the most of it! I had a reason for not following it. I did it my way!
Sehwag, who is in Dubai attending a ceremony of Master Champions League (MCL), had hinted at retirement to make himself eligible for the inaugural edition of MCL. The news went viral on social media with some of it claiming that the batsman has already retired. Sehwag then dismissed the claims, saying that he will announce his retirement after returning home.
"If I am not retired I will not play. I will go back to India and announce my retirement," said Sehwag when he was asked how he could play as MCL is a retired cricketers' league.
Sehwag might however continue playing for Haryana in the Ranji Trophy before participating in the MCL, which is supposed to be played in February next year.
In a career spanning over 12 years, Sehwag played 104 Tests scoring 8586 runs at an average of 49.34, hitting 23 centuries and 32 half-centuries. The attacking right-handed batsman is also one of the four batsmen in the history of cricket to score more than one triple-hundred.
In ODIs, he played 251 matches, accumulating 8273 runs at an average of 35.05 and scored 15 hundreds apart from hitting 38 fifties. In 19 Twenty20 Internationals, he managed 394 runs with two half-centuries.
Reactions:
.
>@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
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
Talent in batting is one thing but to have the mindset of Virupa in batting is as close to impossible as it can get.v keep saying b positive
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni)
>October 20, 2015
Look for a single but he was one person who was always looking for a boundary.many will try to play like u but my advice wd b to enjoy ur
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni)
>October 20, 2015
Batting and be themselves.congrats on a fantastic career
— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni)
>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
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
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
congrats virupa on a wonderful career, one of the most dominating and relaxed cricketer on the field
>@virendersehwag
— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1)
>October 20, 2015
Well done on your career legend. Been a privilege to play with and against you. Catch up soon.
>@virendersehwag>https://t.co/gVrOjskOfc
— David Warner (@davidwarner31)
>October 20, 2015