Cricket, at its heart, is a celebration of artistry as much as athleticism. Every stroke a batter plays paints a vivid picture of timing, technique, and flair. Recently, legendary opener Virender Sehwag sat down with Shaffalli Bagga to share his personal hall of famers for some of cricket’s most iconic strokes. From cover drives to helicopter shots, Sehwag’s revelations offer both nostalgia and insight into the masters of the game. But beyond this masterclass in shot selection, the conversation also hinted at the next chapter in Sehwag’s cricketing journey—his unwavering support for his son in the upcoming DPL 2025.
Virender Sehwag names the players he admires for iconic shots
When Shaffalli asked Sehwag about the best cover driver in the modern era, there was no hesitation. “Virat Kohli,” he declared, lauding the purity and elegance of Kohli’s off-side artistry. It’s a testament to Kohli’s textbook technique that one of the most aggressive openers in history immediately pointed to the run-machine as the pinnacle of balance and timing.
Next up was the helicopter shot, and Sehwag’s answer was equally definitive: MS Dhoni. Ever since Dhoni first unleashed that wristy flick with the bat’s blade rotating like a rotor, the world has been in awe of the power-packed, yet controlled nature of that stroke. Sehwag’s admiration for Dhoni’s signature move underlines the former skipper’s reputation for innovation under pressure.
For the straight drive, it’s the Little Master himself, Sachin Tendulkar, who stands supreme. Sehwag fondly recalled Tendulkar’s uncanny ability to meet the ball under the eyes and send it racing back past the bowler, a shot so pure it often reduced spectators to silence in awe. When it came to the reverse sweep, AB de Villiers, known for his 360-degree batting wizardry, was Sehwag’s pick—a nod to the South African’s fearlessness and improvisation.
Rohit Sharma earned the honour for the pull shot, his towering pull often punishing short deliveries with effortless disdain. And on the subject of the upper cut, Sehwag played his own card: “Virender Sehwag,” he quipped, demonstrating his trademark audacity. Yet, in a moment of humility, he acknowledged that some shots are best left to the specialists.
When Bagga mentioned defense, Sehwag could only laugh: “Waise defense kaun karvata hai?” Before conceding that Rahul Dravid—the wall—deserved credit for his near-impenetrable forward defense. For the hook shot, Ricky Ponting topped the list, his compact, muscular pull off short balls a lesson in precision. Finally, in naming the flick shot, Sehwag circled back to Virat Kohli, adding a historical footnote by praising VVS Laxman and Mohammad Azharuddin for their exquisite wrist work, reminding us that every generation stands on the shoulders of its predecessors.
Here’s the video:
Sehwag voots for his son in DPL 2025
Beyond the gravity of past legends, Sehwag is also looking forward. With the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 on the horizon, he revealed his excitement about backing his son as he steps into competitive cricket. While details of his son’s team and role remain under wraps, Sehwag’s pride was palpable. Transitioning smoothly from assessments of batting icons to familial aspirations, he emphasized the importance of nurturing the next generation.
For Sehwag, who revolutionized opening batting with fearless strokeplay, this new chapter holds special significance. He plans to be on the sidelines, offering guidance but also allowing his son the freedom to find his own style. If Sehwag’s career is any indication, we can expect a blend of fearless intent and creative shot-making from the young Aryavir Sehwag, under the watchful eyes of his proud father.
