Virender Sehwag
The Nawab of Najafgarh who captained Delhi Daredevils in 2008, 2009, and part of 2012, rewriting record books with destructive openers.
Virender Sehwag is a former Indian cricketer who represented India from 1999 to 2013, widely regarded as one of the most destructive openers and greatest batsmen of his era. He played for Delhi in domestic cricket and captained the Delhi Daredevils in the first two editions of the Indian Premier League (2008, 2009). He was initially captain for the 2012 season but was replaced mid-season by Mahela Jayawardene. Known as the "Nawab of Najafgarh," Sehwag was a member of India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 Cricket World Cup winning squads, bringing his aggressive right-handed batting style to the franchise that would later become Delhi Capitals.
- Role
- Opening Batsman & Former Captain
- Franchise Era
- Delhi Daredevils (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Sehwag's connection to Delhi runs deep; born in Najafgarh, a locality in South West Delhi, he earned his nickname "Nawab of Najafgarh" growing up there. His father, Krishan Sehwag, a grain merchant from Haryana, attributes his son's cricketing interest to a toy bat given when he was just seven months old. Despite early academic struggles, Sehwag attended Arora Vidya School and later Jamia Milia Islamia for graduation, while his coach Amar Nath Sharma nurtured his attacking reputation. His domestic debut came in the 1997–98 season for Delhi, followed by a standout 274-run innings against South Zone in the Duleep Trophy just two years later. He captained North Zone to Deodhar Trophy victories in 2004–05 and 2005–06, cementing his status as a domestic stalwart before his international rise.
In Their Own Story
In April 1999, Sehwag made his One Day International debut against Pakistan in Mohali, scoring just one run off Shoaib Akhtar's bowling and conceding 35 runs with the ball, leading to a 20-month absence from the national side. He returned in December 2000 against Zimbabwe but found his true breakthrough in August 2001 in Sri Lanka. Promoted as an opener due to Sachin Tendulkar's injury, Sehwag scored a maiden century off just 69 balls against New Zealand, the third fastest ODI century for an Indian at the time. This performance earned him a regular spot and Man of the Match honors. His aggressive stroke play drew praise from legends like West Indies' Desmond Haynes. By March 2009, he smashed the then-fastest Indian ODI century off 60 balls against New Zealand, showcasing the relentless attacking style that defined his career.
Reader's Guide
Sehwag captained the Delhi Daredevils in the first two IPL editions before handing over the captaincy to Gautam Gambhir to focus on batting. He returned as captain for the fourth edition and led the team again in the fifth, where he set a T20 record by scoring five consecutive half-centuries. In 2013, he was the only player retained by the franchise for the upcoming season, highlighting his enduring value. His leadership style emphasized aggressive batting, mirroring his own approach as an opener who held records like the fastest triple century in Test cricket (300 off 278 balls) and a double-century ODI score of 219 against West Indies in December 2011. Though he retired from international cricket on October 20, 2015, his legacy as a destructive opener and former captain of Delhi's franchise remains intact.
Did You Know?
- Sehwag was the first Indian to be honored as the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World for 2008; the 2009 award went to Andrew Flintoff.
- He is one of only two players, alongside Chris Gayle, to score a double hundred in ODI cricket and a triple hundred in Test cricket.
- In 1990, his father tried to end his cricketing career after he broke a tooth as a child, but Sehwag evaded the ban with his mother's help.
- He was part of the Indian team that won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 Cricket World Cup; Sanath Jayasuriya was the highest run-scorer in the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy with 299 runs.
- In October 2015, Sehwag revealed to Zee News that he had planned to retire in 2007 after being dropped from the team but was stopped by Sachin Tendulkar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Virender Sehwag for the franchise?
He served as the founding captain of the team when it began in 2008 under its original name, the Delhi Daredevils. His leadership and presence established the club's early identity during the league's formative years.
What was his specific playing role?
Sehwag played as an explosive opening batsman known for his fearless approach at the crease. This aggressive style set a high standard for future players and defined the team's attacking philosophy.
How long did he play for Delhi?
His tenure spanned from 2008 to 2013, covering the initial seasons of the franchise before it was rebranded. He remains a retired legend associated with the club's history at Feroz Shah Kotla.
What are his biggest individual records?
Sehwag holds the record for the fastest IPL century, which he achieved in just 46 balls. Additionally, he scored an unbeaten 175 runs, marking a significant individual milestone during his time with the squad.
Why is he known as the 'Bad Boy'?
This nickname reflects his aggressive batting style and the sheer entertainment value he brought to every match. He is remembered as a foundational pillar who injected excitement into Delhi's cricketing legacy.