Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag and the legendary Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, popularly known as the “Rawalpindi Express,” recently shared a lighthearted and humorous exchange during their stint as part of the commentary team for the ILT20 in Dubai. This banter, posted on social media platform ‘X’ by Akhtar, focused on Sehwag’s perspective on Akhtar’s famously long run-up, which he deemed to be a significant distraction.
In the video, Shoaib Akhtar affectionately referred to Sehwag as “Hamaray pyaray Viru bhai” (Our dear Viru brother) and disclosed Sehwag’s thoughts on his extensive run-up. According to Akhtar, Sehwag revealed that the long run-up was quite a challenge for him to endure. Sehwag humorously shared that during Akhtar’s run-up, he would find himself constantly looking down, anticipating that it would take a good 10-15 seconds for the “Rawalpindi Express” to complete his approach to the crease.
Sehwag added a touch of hilarity to the banter, confessing that various thoughts would race through his mind during those moments. He playfully speculated on whether Akhtar would target his toes with a well-directed delivery or, perhaps, unleash a beamer aimed straight at his head. The exchange captured the camaraderie and friendly rivalry that persists between the two cricketing icons.
This banter is not the first of its kind between Shoaib Akhtar and Virender Sehwag. Their social media interactions have been known for their playful and entertaining nature. One notable instance occurred last year when Sehwag took a good-natured dig at Akhtar following Pakistan’s loss to India in the World Cup.
Reflecting on their cricketing careers, Virender Sehwag carved a remarkable legacy as an aggressive and prolific batsman. In Test cricket, he played 104 games, accumulating 8,586 runs at an impressive average of 49.34. His ODI records are equally impressive, amassing 8,273 runs from 251 matches at a striking rate of 104.33. One of the standout moments of his career was his monumental innings of 254 during India’s tour of Pakistan in January 2006, a match in which Shoaib Akhtar failed to pick up any wickets.
Sehwag also ventured into the T20 format, participating in 19 T20 Internationals and scoring 394 runs at a formidable strike rate of 145.38. His ability to score double centuries in ODIs and triple centuries in Tests showcased his versatility and dominance across formats. Sehwag’s trophy cabinet includes significant achievements such as the 2011 ODI World Cup, the 2007 T20 World Cup, and the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, which India shared with Sri Lanka.
Shoaib Akhtar, renowned for his explosive pace, earned the moniker “Rawalpindi Express” for his ability to consistently bowl at blistering speeds. In Test cricket, he featured in 46 games, claiming 178 wickets with an average of 25.69. His express pace and the intimidation factor he brought to the game made him a formidable force in international cricket.
The banter between Sehwag and Akhtar not only provided cricket fans with a light-hearted moment but also showcased the enduring camaraderie between players from rival teams. As they continue to entertain fans with their commentary in the ILT20, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more such moments that blend humor with the profound respect these cricketing legends hold for each other.
Virender Sehwag’s fearless and aggressive batting style left an indelible mark on the cricketing world, breaking records like the fastest triple hundred in Tests. His remarkable achievements include the 2011 ODI World Cup triumph, the 2007 T20 World Cup victory, and the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, showcasing his prowess in crucial tournaments. Shoaib Akhtar’s legacy as the “Rawalpindi Express” endures in cricketing folklore, with his menacing pace striking fear into batsmen. Their banter not only adds a touch of humor to the commentary box but also highlights the mutual respect forged through years of on-field battles, transcending national rivalries.