'I can proudly say I have seen Sehwag tear bowlers apart': Tributes pour in for Viru

Putting an end to all speculations about him, star Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag on Tuesday announced his retirement from all forms of the game with immediate effect.

“Thanks everyone for all your wishes and love. I hereby retire from all forms of international cricket and from the Indian Premier League (IPL),” Sehwag tweeted, also attaching a printed statement on his retirement.

One of India’s greatest opening batsmen, Sehwag on Monday clearly indicated that he will “soon” retire. That “soon” came just a day later when the dashing opening batsman turned 37.

However, the Delhi-born will play in the Masters Champions League (MCL), which he launched in Dubai on Monday with other stars like Brian Lara, Graeme Smith, Michael Vaughan – a tournament to be held early next year for retired cricketers.

Sehwag last represented India in the Test series against Australia in March 2013 and his spot was subsequently filled by the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay following a string of low scores.

A few says back, Sehwag switched his allegiance from Delhi to Haryana in the Ranji Trophy. The swashbuckling right-hander represented Delhi for 18 seasons since 1997-98 but after several poor seasons, that saw him getting dropped from the national team, he decided to make the switch.

In a career spanning over 15 years in international cricket, Sehwag featured in 104 Tests and scored 8,586 runs at a staggering average of 49.34. In 251 One-Day Internationals (ODI), he amassed 8,273 runs at an average of 35.05.

Tributes poured in from Twitter for the swashbuckling opener who has thoroughly entertained fans over the years.

Effusive praise from his team-mates, old and new:

.@virendersehwag leaves his signature on the game with his tremendous achievements. Loved his instinctive approach to batting & life. 1/2

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 20, 2015

Had the best seat during most of his superlative performances on field. Am sure Viru'll do much more to bring joy & smiles to our faces 2/2

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 20, 2015

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s four-tweet praise:

Didn't see Viv Richards bat in person but I can proudly say I have witnessed Virender Sehwag tearing apart the best bowling attacks

— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 20, 2015

Talent in batting is one thing but to have the mindset of Virupa in batting is as close to impossible as it can get.v keep saying b positive

— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 20, 2015

Look for a single but he was one person who was always looking for a boundary.many will try to play like u but my advice wd b to enjoy ur

— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 20, 2015

Batting and be themselves.congrats on a fantastic career

— Mahendra Singh Dhoni (@msdhoni) October 20, 2015

Pleasure to have played with you @virendersehwag bhai. What an amazing career. Thanks for the guidance and the memories. Modern day legend!

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 20, 2015

The art of making improbable look easy is the hallmark of a genius. Sehwag was a cricketing genius. #ThankYouSehwag for the memories. 🙏

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 20, 2015

The original opener; the dare devil. Congratulations @virendersehwag paaji on a wonderful journey & all the best for the future. Rab Raakha

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) October 20, 2015

Clear thinking and entertainment were things he used as his weapon.A thorough entertainer,congrats on a wonderful career @virendersehwag .

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) October 20, 2015

Man who changed the perception of modern day batting. Never seen and will never see someone like him in future. Sheer pleasure viru bhai.

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) October 20, 2015

The legend I played with. The miracle I had the fortune of knowing. The most spectacular ever. Will miss u @virendersehwag

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) October 20, 2015

Viru paji u have been an inspiration to billion's of cricket fans across the world. Thanks for giving us all the joy while u batted.

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) October 20, 2015

His one-time foes, now admirers, quite a few contemporaries wished Sehwag a fond farewell:

Congrats to @virendersehwag on just a brilliant career!

It was a privilege to watch you play sir! #genius

— Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) October 20, 2015

Congrats to @virendersehwag on just a brilliant career!

It was a privilege to watch you play sir! #genius

— Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) October 20, 2015

The fans, of course, tweeted some gems:

Greatest Memory Of @virendersehwag In Our Mind Is "Sehwag ki Batting Dekh Ke Chalte Hain Yaar"#ThankYouSehwag

— Ravi Rajput (@TheJonathanWick) October 20, 2015

When someone asked Virender Sehwag about difference between him & Sachin Tendukar...

Sehwag - Our bank balance...

— Navneet Mundhra (@navneet_mundhra) October 20, 2015

Sehwag announced retirement after seeing this photo pic.twitter.com/m0qPSGdeL3

— Mechanical Munna (@Me81somesh) October 20, 2015

And saving, the best for the last, a tweet that sums up the man, the myth and the legend that is Virender Sehwag:

Nehra-"Viru used to park his Vespa & we would goto Kotla.Vespa became Santro, Santo Became Honda,Honda became Audi but he still picks me up"

— Vipul (@Sporty_Baba) May 17, 2015

With IANS inputs