I have always done what I felt was right: Virender Sehwag

Putting an end to all speculations, Sehwag yesterday announced his retirement from all forms of the game with immediate effect; the Delhi batsman will, however, play in the Masters Champions League

New Delhi: Putting an end to all speculations about him, Virender Sehwag yesterday announced his retirement from all forms of the game with immediate effect.

Also check in pictures: Virender Sehwag - The man and his many moods

"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 announced on Twitter.

Virender Sehwag walks back to the pavilion after being dismissed for a duck against Sri Lanka at Brisbane in 2012. Pic/AFP

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

My message. pic.twitter.com/al07Y5PsYF

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 20, 2015

"To paraphrase Mark Twain, the report of my retirement yesterday was exaggerated. However, I have always done what I felt was right and not what conformists thought to be right," the right-handed batsman said.

Also Read: Four selectors did not want Virender Sehwag, recalls Madan Lal

"God has been kind and I have done what I wanted to do, on the field and in my life, and I had decided sometime back that I will retire on my 37th birthday. So today, as I spend my day with my family, I hereby announce my retirement from all forms of international cricket and from IPL."

Also Read: Virender Sehwag was not all brawn, writes Aakash Chopra

The Delhi-born will, however, play in the Masters Champions League (MCL). "Cricket has been my life and continues to be so. Playing for India was a memorable journey and I tried to make it more memorable for the Indian teammates and the Indian cricket fans. I believe I was reasonably successful in doing so," he said.

The 'Nawab of Najafgarh' last represented India in the Test series against Australia in March 2013. 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.

Also Read: Virender Sehwag did not want a farewell match: Coach AN Sharma

Virender Sehwag in numbers
104.33
Virender Sehwag's strike rate in one-day internationals

One
He is a lone cricketer to score two triple tons and claim a Test fifer

Six
Number of double tons scored by Sehwag in Tests

243
Number of sixes hit by Sehwag in international cricket

S for special, S for Sehwag
Debut matches
Virender Sehwag was trapped LBW for one in his ODI debut against Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar in 1999, a man against whom he won many battles in years to follow, but Sehwag scored a brilliant ton in his first Test against South Africa in 2001, while batting at No 6.

Sultan of Multan
Sehwag's crowning moment came in 2004, when he blasted a 309 against Pakistan and became the first Indian to score a triple ton in cricket history. He was bestowed the sobriquet 'Sultan of Multan' after his triple ton in Multan.

Fastest triple ton
He scored the fastest triple century — in 278 balls — after hitting an 319 not out vs SA at Chennai in 2008.

Wisden's Leading Cricketer
In April 2009, Sehwag became the only Indian to be honoured as the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World for his performance in 2008, subsequently becoming the first player of any nationality to retain the award for 2009.

Highest run-scorer in ODIs
Sehwag scored his maiden double ton in ODI in 2011, vs WI, becoming the second batsman after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the landmark. His score — 219 off 149 balls became the highest individual score in ODIs, which was later bettered by Rohit Sharma (264).

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!