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Rediff.com  » Cricket » Dhoni, Dravid, Warne hail Virender Sehwag!
This article was first published 11 years ago

Dhoni, Dravid, Warne hail Virender Sehwag!

Last updated on: November 22, 2012 21:37 IST

Image: Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag will join an elite club on Friday when he completes the unique landmark of 100 Test matches, during the second match against England in Mumbai, on Friday.

Only eight Indian players have done it before him, but Sehwag's achievements stand out amongst all of them.

- Sehwag is a great player; it's a joy to play with him: Tendulkar

After all, how many players can boast of 8448 runs in 99 Tests, at an average of 50.89, with an amazing strike rate of 82.45, and that too while opening the innings.

Sehwag, who has scored two triple centuries in Test cricket, is regarded as one of the most dangerous batsmen to have played the game.

Check out what some current and former players have to say about the man:

Tags: Warne , England , Mumbai

'Viru only looks to score runs'

Image: Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sehwag

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni:

If you see, the crucial decision of his career was when he decided that he will open the innings. It was big challenge for him and he accepted it. He has the best statistics. He is someone who is very different for everyone else. He has got a very important role from the start because he's someone who can play his shots from the very first delivery. He looks to put pressure on the bowler. It certainly becomes a bit difficult for the bowler to get back into the game. 

Of course, not to forget the experience he has got in all the formats. And also the fact that he can get a few wickets as well. We haven't been using him much, though.

When it comes to Viru, you need a bit more time to understand him. It is not easy to sit here and say a few lines of how effective he is. All those who have shared the dressing room with him realise that his mindset is very different. He is very positive and bats with instinct. It doesn't matter if the wicket is turning or seaming. He only looks to score runs.

His mindset is so different that it doesn't really matter whether he is in form or not. He just keeps thinking positive. He was working a lot on his batting, but his approach remains the same. It is the mindset that really helps you get back into the game.

Tags: Viru , India

'Viru has redefined the way opening batting is viewed'

Image: Rahul Dravid and Sehwag

Former India captain Rahul Dravid:

I think it is a great achievement to play 100 Test matches and, in a lot of ways, Viru has redefined the way in which opening batting is viewed, especially in India. 

He has made a huge contribution in the success of the Indian team over the last decade.

Tags: Viru , India

'No one likes bowling to Sehwag'

Image: Shane Warne

Former Australia leg spinner Shane Warne:

To play 100 Test matches you got to have a lot of things going for you, besides having natural talent and being a very good player. 

You got to have commitment, you got to have dedication and make sacrifices and you also got to be prepared to play for long periods of time. 

So to see Viru play his 100th Test tomorrow will be fantastic. He is a good guy. Along with Kevin Pietersen, he is probably the most dangerous batsman in the world. 

No one likes bowling to him. I know lot of people doubted him when he first came into the side. He has been going through a bit of a form slump and it is great to see him back, smashing all the attacks as he does. He is great to watch and I wish him all the best for his 100th Test.