Virender Sehwag turned 46 on 20th October, let’s dive into the question that how Virendra Sehwag modified the Indian Batting style? His impact on Indian cricket is undeniable; he not only changed the way the game is played in India but also redefined the expectations of a batsman in international cricket.
Known for his aggressive batting and unorthodox style, Virender Sehwag brought a new approach to the Indian batting order, setting the stage for future generations of cricketers.
Before Sehwag’s emergence, Indian batsmanship was often characterized by careful, patient batting—a cautious approach that prioritized building innings over explosive shots. This style led to the archetype of the technically sound, yet restrained Indian batsman.
FOLLOW OUR FB PAGE FOR LATEST SPORTS NEWS
However, Virender Sehwag shattered this mold as he burst onto the international scene in the early 2000s. A player who made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Pakistan in 1999 and his Test debut in 2001, Sehwag quickly established himself as an aggressive opener, often sharing the crease as opener with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.
His fearless mindset, combined with his incredible hand-eye coordination, allowed him to play shots that were previously reserved for limited-overs cricket—powerful pulls, audacious cuts, and lofted drives.
Sehwag’s technique was unique; he backed his instincts and played with an aggressive mindset, leading to a substantial shift in approach towards batting in Indian cricket. His philosophy was simple: don’t just survive—dominate. He believed in taking the attack to the bowlers, and it was this mindset that prompted a generation of players to shed the baggage of traditional batting and adopt a more fearless style.
ALSO READ- This former becomes India’s richest cricketer, surpassing Virat Kohli
Virender Sehwag’s influence was evident in his statistics. With a breathtaking strike rate, he became the second player to score a double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 2011, achieving the magnificent feat against West Indies at Indore. Furthermore, he holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket, with a blistering 309 against Pakistan in Multan in 2004 and 319 against South Africa in Chennai in 2008.
His ability to play long innings meant that he consistently put pressure on opposition bowlers, leading to an enhancement in scoring rates for the entire team. Virender Sehwag scored nearly 8,300 runs in ODI cricket and over 8,550 runs in Test matches, which included 38 centuries overall—a testament to his prowess and consistency.
His approach encouraged other batsmen to adopt a more aggressive strategy, thus elevating the standard of batting in both Test and limited-overs formats within the Indian squad.
Acting as an opening batsman, Sehwag offered the Indian team an aggressive start, which was essential in both Tests and ODIs. Whereas traditional openers used to focus on seeing off the new ball, Virender Sehwag’s intent was to target it from the get-go. This shift not only helped India get off to explosive starts but also put pressure on opposing bowlers right from the beginning.
The likes of Tendulkar, who opened alongside Sehwag, benefited from this approach, as it allowed them to play their natural games without fearing a slow start. Moreover, by opening the innings alongside stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag further enhanced the credibility of aggressive batting at the top of the order.
Today, Virender Sehwag stands tall among the legends of cricket. His innovative batting style and fearless approach altered the landscape of batting in Indian cricket. He inspired a new breed of cricketers who have since taken India to unprecedented heights in world cricket. As a recognized commentator and cricket analyst, he continues to influence the game, sharing his insights and experiences with aspiring players.
