The exceptionally talented batsman, Virender Sehwag, became only the second batsman after Sachin Tendulkar to score a double hundred in ODIs. DNA finds out what his fans have to say about his brilliant performance
Players like Sehwag come once in a while who have a unique style
Virender Sehwag is a unique player with a style of his own. Players like him come once in a while. He may not have displayed good footwork, but his eye and hand co-ordination is amazing. The innings were special and he played what he is capable of. As I said, he has his own style and he is not an orthodox player, so it is good to see him score runs. He is the sort of player that, when he gets out, you wonder how casually he can get out. But then suddenly, he gets going and scores big runs defying all odds. With this innings, he kept his poor form aside. It is always good to have some runs under your belt. I remember when I was in the selection committee, we decided to include him in the team that was going to Australia in spite of the fact that he was not scoring runs. He justified our decision and I am sure even this time he will play well.
—Dilip Vengsarkar, former Indian skipper
Sehwag’s innings is a perfect example of a ‘one-man show’
Virender Sehwag proved his might with the innings in Indore. People have always been speculative about his consistency but that is how we have known him throughout his career. He has the ability of single-handedly massacring the opponent and it is no surprise that the score of 219 came from his blade. Viru’s stats share an uncanny similarity to Sachin’s 200 against South Africa, but there was a huge difference between the two innings. Where Sachin’s innings had his trademark elegance, Viru came down upon the opponents in his own brutal way. Now that the team will be heading for Australia, the innings will surely be a booster for them. If he plays against Australia in a similar manner, then he can single-handedly win us the series. Sehwag can win the match and make us forgive his other duds throughout the tournament.
—Pooja Naidu, banker
Sehwag’s innings has increased the benchmark of performance
The milestone that Sehwag has achieved through his innings of 219 can be witnessed rarely in an international forum. This milestone has not only turned Sehwag into a legend, but at the same time increased the benchmark of performance in the international arena. Such records were impossible at one point of time. However, with attacking cricket being the new mantra, such scores can be witnessed. Sachin Tendulkar did it followed by Sehwag. For a batsman like Sehwag who has been continuously questioned about his technique, this innings surely put the critics silent. The Indian team will be travelling to Australia and the innings has made Sehwag a threatening batsman for the opponent. This feat will also motivate youngsters to achieve this milestone. It is a privilege for the youngsters in the team to learn from the legend.
—Chandan Firke, IT professional
Sehwag can make milestones look like daily activities
Sehwag always had the potential. One thing that really makes Sehwag one of the most gifted players is his ability to make milestones look like daily activities. He can score under any given circumstances. Neither does the pitch matter to him nor does the opponent. Before his 219, he was going through a poor form but the way he bounced back proves that he is here to stay. This is an added advantage for the team right ahead of the Australian tour. Any batsman coming to form is a huge achievement and if it is some one like Sehwag then nothing more needs to be said. As far his comparison with Sachin goes, I think, rather than comparing the two legends, we should be proud of the fact that both the double hundreds have come from the blade of Indians. Two present-day players achieving the same feat is a great inspiration for the youngsters in the team.
—Aditya Dandekar, student
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