From Tendulkar to Gayle: Bday wishes pour in for Sehwag

New Delhi [India], Oct 20 (ANI): Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag, who is well known as the 'Nawab of Najafgarh', turned 39th today and warm birthday wishes poured in from cricket fraternity.

From legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar to West Indies swashbuckling batsman Chris Gayle, all took to their official Twitter handles to wish one of India's finest and perhaps the most entertaining batsman.

Extending his warm wishes, Tendulkar pointed Sehwag's gung-ho attitude and said that the latter has always done opposite of what he asked for on field.

"Happy birthday, viru! have a great start to the new year. you've always done ulta of what i have told you on field. so here's one from me?" Tendulkar wrote.

The special thing about Tendulkar's tweet was that every word in the sentence was turned upside down.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) tweeted, "The man who redefined opening in Tests - Happy Birthday 'Nawab of Najafgarh' @virendersehwag #Legend #TeamIndia."

Meanwhile, Indian pacer Ishant Sharma described Sehwag as `one of the most destructive opening batsmen in history of cricket` before asking him to keep entertaining the people.

"Happy birthday @virendersehwag most destructive opening batsmen in history of cricket. Stay blessed Viru Bhai. Keep entertaining. #Legend," Ishant said.

Former Indian skipper and head coach Anil Kumble tweeted, "Many Happy returns of the day @virendersehwag . Have a great year ahead!"

Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane thanked Sehwag for teaching everyone the meaning of the word fearless.

"Happy bday @virendersehwag Thanks for teaching us the meaning of the word Fearless!Wish I could have seen one 300 from the non strikers end!," Rahane said.

West Indies swashbuckling batsman Chris Gayle also wished `legend` Sehwag a very `Happy Birthday`.

"Happy birthday legend, @virendersehwag may the lord bless you to see many more," Gayle tweeted.

Former cricketer VVS Laxman wrote, "Wish you a very happy Birthday, Viru. May you continue to entertain and bring a smile on everyone's face @virendersehwag."

Indian batsman Suresh Raina said that Sehwag has always been a nightmare for the bowlers before considering the former opener as a synonymous with the word destruction.

Former BCCI president Anurag Thakur, Indian cricketers Manoj Tiwary and Mohammad Shami, Sri Lanka fast bowler Dhammika Prasad were among the others to wish Sehwag on his special occasion.

Sehwag notched up a total of 8,586 runs from 104 Tests he played at an average of 49.34 besides also amassing 8,273 runs from 251 ODIs.

The former opener also appeared in 19 T20Is for India, accumulating 394 runs.

Sehwag was also a part of two World Cup winning squads, led by former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. India clinched the inaugural World T20 in South Africa before lifting the World Cup in 2011 in home turf.

In Indian Premier League (IPL), the all-rounder scored 2,728 runs from 104 gamse he played for the Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab.

Meanwhile, Sehwag was also in contention for India's coaching role after Anil Kumble stepped down from the post following the side's Champions Trophy campaign earlier in the year.

However, the BCCI handed the job to former team director Ravi Shastri. (ANI)