Ranji Trophy: Virender Sehwag sizzles for Haryana after international retirement

Swashbuckling batsman Virender Sehwag, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, was at his prolific best for Haryana during their Ranji Trophy clash against Karnataka on 22 October.

The talismanic opener, who switched alliance from Delhi to Haryana this season, notched up his third half-century of the ongoing domestic tournament. With his side reeling at 18/1, Sehwag played in his usual dominating style and raced to a 63-ball 56* including six fours and two sixes.

Earlier in the day, Sehwag won the toss for Haryana and decided to bat against an experienced bowling line-up of Karnataka that got the opposition in trouble with two quick wickets. Haryana lost both their openers Rahul Dewan (9) and Chaitanya Bishnoi (13) after HS Sharath and David Mathias struck for Karnataka early on.

Coming in to bat at number 3, Sehwag backed himself to play his shots against a probing attack of Karnataka. The right-handed batsman provided the much-needed stability to Haryana's innings while Jayant Yadav continued to provide support to his skipper from the other end. With Sehwag (56*) and Yadav (13*) at crease, Haryana were cruising at 101/2 after 32 overs at lunch.

Sehwag announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) on 20 October. The cricketing fraternity paid glorious tributes to Sehwag with Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni leading from the front, comparing his destructive batting with that of legendary Viv Richards.