5 lesser known facts about Virender Sehwag

"Most people first settle down and then hit a six, but Sehwag first hits a six and then settles down." That’s what Anil Kumble said about the Nawab of Najafgarh.Viru, turning 37 today has been one of the most beloved cricketers of all time. We wish him the best in life on his birthday today. Let’s see some of the rare facts about him:

#1 Favourite Food

Baby Viru with his mother

You might know about this fact, but those who haven’t heard Sehwag’s interview might be interested in this. Sehwag might be one of the richest and the most successful cricketers in the word, his favourite food is “kheer” and that too not just any kheer, his favourite is the one made by his mom.

Yes, he has always been a mumma’s boy.

#2 Nicknames and Rare Records

We know that Sehwag is called Viru, Nawab of Najafgarh, but that’s not it guys. Viru has some more fascinating nicknames like “Sultan of Multan” following his triple century in Multan, Pakistan. Some other nicknames are, “Prince of Najafgarh” and “Little Tendulkar”.

Viru is famous for his triple centuries, but little do we know about these rare records he holds:

1. He is the only batsman along with the great Sir Don Bradman to make 3 test scores more than 290!

2. He is the only batsman in the history to have scored 7,500-plus runs in both Tests & ODIs as an opener.

3. Sehwag won 31 'Player of the Match' awards in Tests & ODIs combined, which are 3rd highest among Indians - top two being Sachin (76) & Ganguly (37).

#3 The Funny Guy

Sharing a light hearted moment with Adam Gilchrist here, Sehwag has always been known to be extremely jovial

Viru has been deemed one of the funniest guys in the Indian dressing room. There have been many incidents which tell us that Viru is one of those “happy-go-lucky” guys and keeps the environment off the field and on the field calm.

When asked about Mendis once, he said "Bhaisaab spinner ko spinner batsman banata hai ! Agar usse aap ball spin hi naa karne do, aur pahli hi over Mai usse bahar pheink do woh zindgi bhar spin nhi karega"

This is what he thinks about a cricket ball, “ball ka ghar hai boundary, usse waha pahunchao”.

Not only was he funny, he was a daring batsman. He once said to Paul Harris of South Africa to come around the wicket and that he would hit him a six of that delivery and to Harris’ surprise, Sehwag did hit him for a maximum.

And who doesn’t know the “Baap baap hota hai, Beta beta incident”?

#4 Hobbies

Pharmacy, seriously Viru?

Apart from cricket Sehwag is fond of romantic Hindi film music. Some of his favourite singers are Kishore Kumar, M.D. Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha BHosle, Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu.

Talking about sports, he passes his time playing tennis, badminton, table tennis and pool.

Also, have you ever wondered what he would have been if not a cricketer? He would have been in the field of Pharmacy!!

#5 Banned on Debut

The ban came after he dazzled onlookers with a superb century on debut

Its surprising to believe that a humble man like Viru did also get banned.

Virender Sehwag was banned on his debut test match against South Africa in 2001 for over appealing by umpire Mike Denness. Sehwag scored a century on his debut, but was unfortunately banned on debut and couldn’t play the next match.

But this guy, despite a shocking start to the career is the only Indian Cricketer and the 3rd batsman to have 2 triple centuries in test cricket.