All-time Asia ODI XI post year 2000

#2 Virender Sehwag (India)

Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag is a former Indian cricketer. Widely regarded as one of the most destructive batsmen of all time, Sehwag played as an aggressive right-handed opening batsman and also bowled part-time right-arm off-spin. He played his first One Day International in 1999 and joined the Indian Test side in 2001. In April 2009, Sehwag became the only Indian to be honored 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.

His natural talent, more so his hand-eye coordination was impeccable. Sehwag's approach to batting is based on a simple philosophy i.e see the ball and hit the ball regardless of the events of the previous ball. He was capable of focusing on the next delivery unperturbed by the match situation or anxiety. Yet, he had the anticipation that defines every great batsman.

Sehwag was more than a handy bowler and possessed the art of taking wickets at crucial times. He has taken 96 wickets in his international career with an economy rate of 5.26 per over which is quite decent for a non-regular bowler.

In 251 matches for India, Sehwag scored 8273 runs at an average of 35.06 and with a strike rate of 104.34 runs per 100 balls which is extraordinary, to say the least.

His batting could damage any bowling side in the world in any conditions, therefore he deserves his position as the second opener in the team.