Shakib Al Hasan Mocks Virender Sehwag: Reminding Bangladeshi Captain of Indian Cricket Legend's Achievements

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T20 World Cup: During a press conference in the West Indies after Bangladesh's win against the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup 2024, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan attempted to mock former India cricketer Virender Sehwag.

Shakib, who recorded his 13th fifty in the format with an undefeated 64 off 46 deliveries, responded to Sehwag's criticism with a dismissive "who?" when asked about the former Indian opener's remarks.

What Virender Sehwag Said About Shakib?

Sehwag criticised Shakib, suggesting that he should have retired from T20 cricket long ago due to his recent poor performance in the format.

"During the last World Cup, I thought he should no longer be picked for the T20 format. The time for retirement came a long time ago. You are such a senior player, you were the captain of this team. You should actually be ashamed of your recent numbers. You should come forward and announce yourself that enough is enough, I'm retiring from this format," Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

"If you are picked in the World Cup squad for your experience, then show that it was actually worth it. You need to spend some time at the crease at least. You are not Adam Gilchrist or Matthew Hayden. Hooks and pulls are not your strengths. You are a Bangladeshi player. You should play according to your strengths," he added.

While Shakib's dig might come across as arrogant, it's essential to remember the illustrious career of Sehwag and his significant contributions to cricket. Sehwag, a name synonymous with aggressive batting and fearless cricket, has left an indelible mark on world cricket.

Known for his explosive style and penchant for breaking records, the Nawab of Najafgarh has been a cornerstone of Indian cricket across all formats.
His contributions have not only redefined how the game is played but also inspired a generation of cricketers to embrace a fearless approach. Let's take a look at his remarkable achievements and the lasting impact he has had on the sport.

Virender Sehwag Stats & Achievements in ODIs

Sehwag's blistering 175 against Bangladesh in the 2011 ODI World Cup opener set the tone for India's victorious campaign. His explosive innings laid a strong foundation, showcasing his ability to dominate bowlers right from the start.

In ODIs, Sehwag was a game-changer. His aggressive batting at the top of the order often demoralised bowlers and gave India substantial early leads. His high strike rate and ability to convert starts into big scores made him one of the most feared openers in limited-overs cricket.

Virender Sehwag Test Cricket Remarkable Feats

In Test cricket, Sehwag redefined opening batting with his explosive starts. His approach was simple: attack the bowlers from the first ball, which often put the opposition on the back foot.

His contributions were pivotal in numerous victories at home and overseas, including notable wins in Australia, England, and South Africa. Sehwag's ability to score quickly in the longest format was a rare talent, making him a unique and invaluable asset to the Indian team.

Sehwag holds the record for the fastest triple century in Test cricket, achieved in just 278 balls against South Africa. He was the first Indian to slam a triple century in Test cricket and sits in the elite club of cricketers who have scored multiple triple centuries in the red-ball format.

Virender Sehwag's Contribution In T20Is

Although T20I was not his primary format, Sehwag's aggressive batting style laid the foundation for India's top-order dominance in early T20I games. He played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup triumph in 2007 in South Africa.

Even though his T20I career was brief, Sehwag's influence was significant. His aggressive batting style was perfectly suited for the shortest format, and he provided India with the aggressive starts that became a hallmark of their batting strategy.

Sehwag's Performance Against Bangladesh

To refresh Shakib's memory further, the following are Sehwag's numbers against his team across all three formats:

ODIs: Sehwag has been a consistent performer against Bangladesh, highlighted by his stunning century (175) during the 2011 World Cup in Dhaka. This innings is remembered as one of the finest displays of power hitting and set a new standard for opening batsmen in ODIs.

Tests: Sehwag has accumulated significant runs against Bangladesh, showcasing his batting prowess in the longest format. His ability to score big and fast made him a formidable opponent for the Bangladeshi bowlers.

T20Is: Sehwag has played key roles in several matches against Bangladesh, demonstrating his versatility across formats. His aggressive batting style consistently put pressure on the opposition, contributing to India's success.

While Shakib Al Hasan's recent performance against the Netherlands was commendable, it's important to recognise the achievements and contributions of legends like Virender Sehwag.

Sehwag's impact on world cricket extends beyond his statistics. He revolutionised the role of an opening batsman with his fearless approach and aggressive mindset. His batting style inspired a new generation of cricketers to play attacking cricket, regardless of the format.

Sehwag's impact on cricket, his remarkable stats, and his unforgettable performances, including his century against Bangladesh in the 2011 World Cup, speak volumes about his legacy. Mocking such a player might seem arrogant, but it's crucial to acknowledge the greatness of those who have paved the way in the sport.