Virender Sehwag, fondly known as the ‘Nawab of Najafgarh,’ was an aggressive and fearless Indian opening batsman who left a lasting impact on the world of cricket. His style of play was unparalleled, characterized by his ability to dominate bowlers from the outset of an innings.
Virender Sehwag’s legacy in cricket is etched in the record books, showcasing his immense talent and fearless approach to the game. His aggressive style of play revolutionized opening batting, and his records continue to inspire aspiring cricketers around the world. Sehwag will forever be remembered as one of the greatest entertainers and match-winners in the history of the sport.
During his illustrious career, Sehwag set numerous records that stand as a testament to his batting prowess and unique approach to the game. In this article, we will delve into the top 10 records held by the legendary Virender Sehwag.
7,500+ Runs in Tests and ODIs as an Opener
Sehwag stands alone as the only batter in cricket history to score more than 7,500 runs as an opener in both Tests and ODIs. This highlights his consistency and adaptability across formats.
Overall, 10 opening batters have scored more than 5,000 runs in both Tests and ODIs. However, Sehwag is the only one to cross 7,500 runs in both formats.
Fastest Test Triple Century — 278 Balls
One of Sehwag’s most memorable innings came against South Africa in 2008, when he smashed a blistering triple century in just 278 balls. This breathtaking innings showcased his aggressive intent and ability to tear apart bowling attacks.
The then, record holder, Matthew Hayden took 362 deliveries to meet his triple century mark, which was almost 100 more balls than what Sehwag took to reach his triple ton in Chennai. Sehwag also had a 364-balls triple century too previously.
First 300+ Score at a 100+ Strike Rate
Virender Sehwag’s 319 against South Africa in 2008 came at a strike rate of 104.93. It was the highest Test score made at a strike rate above 100 at the time.
Sehwag also became the first batter to score 300 or more runs in a Test innings at a strike rate above 100.
Wiaan Mulder is the only other batter to achieve this feat. He scored an unbeaten 367 against Zimbabwe at a strike rate of 109.88. It is also the highest individual Test score of this decade.
Carrying the Bat for 61% of the Team’s Total
Sehwag and Graham Gooch are the only batsmen to achieve the remarkable feat of contributing more than 60% of their team’s total runs while carrying the bat through a completed Test innings, exemplifying their ability to shoulder the batting responsibility single-handedly.
Two Triple Centuries — Only Indian to Do It
Sehwag is one of four cricketers, alongside Don Bradman, Brian Lara, and Chris Gayle, to have scored two triple centuries in Test cricket, showcasing his ability to convert big scores into massive ones.
290+ Scores in Test Cricket – Thrice in his Career
Sehwag also shares the record with Don Bradman for the most scores of 290 or more in Test cricket. This highlights his remarkable ability to play massive innings.
Apart from his two triple centuries, Sehwag also scored 293 against Sri Lanka in the 2009 Mumbai Test. Had he reached 300 that day, he would have become the first cricketer to score three Test triple centuries.
Two 200-Run Stands in One Test Innings
Sehwag is the only batsman confirmed to have shared two separate 200-run partnerships within a single Test innings — and he didn’t just do it once.
During the 2008 Chennai Test against South Africa, Indian batsman Virender Sehwag shared a 213-run opening partnership with Wasim Jaffer and a 268-run second-wicket stand with Rahul Dravid in the same innings.
He repeated the feat the following year. In the 2009 Mumbai Test against Sri Lanka, on his way to 293, Sehwag shared a 221-run opening stand with Murali Vijay, then a further 237-run partnership with Dravid for the second wicket — again, both within the same innings.
Rahul Dravid was his partner in the second stand both times.
Two Triples and a Five-Wicket Haul
Sehwag’s versatility extended beyond batting. He is one of only two cricketers in Test history to score two triple centuries and take a five wicket haul in a Test innings. You can watch Sehwag’s 5-wicket haul here.
The other is Chris Gayle, who scored two Test triple centuries for the West Indies and also took two five wicket hauls during his career.
Highest Strike Rate Among 5,000+ Run Scorers
With a strike rate higher than any other cricketer who scored 5,000-plus Test runs, Sehwag epitomized aggressive batting in the longest format of the game.
Harry Brook and Ben Duckett are knocking on the door. Both English batters have scored over 3,000 Test runs at strike rates above 80. However, they still have a long way to go to match what Sehwag achieved in the longest format.
11 Straight Centuries Converted to 150+
Sehwag had a remarkable ability to turn hundreds into massive scores. His fifth to fifteenth Test centuries were all scores of 150 or more. This incredible streak included three double centuries and two triple centuries. You can check this here in Sehwag’s Test centuries list.
Check: Most 150+ Scores in Test & ODI
