Amidst the ongoing challenges faced by Sri Lanka on and off the cricket field, a moment of celebration arises as the legendary cricketer Aravinda de Silva joins the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame. The honor is also extended to former Indian cricketers Diana Edulji and Virender Sehwag.
Diana Edulji, a formidable force during her playing days, left an indelible mark by claiming over 130 wickets in both formats. A trailblazer for women’s cricket during a time when it was in its infancy, Edulji’s legacy paved the way for aspiring female cricketers.
Virender Sehwag, a name synonymous with explosive batting, is still hailed as India’s best opening batter across Test and ODI formats. A pioneer in the early years of T20 cricket, Sehwag boasted a strike rate exceeding 90, often dominating the powerplay and contributing significantly to India’s victories in the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the 50-over World Cup in 2011.
Virender Sehwag was a game-changer with the bat and the former India opener is now a much-deserved member of the ICC Hall of Fame 💥🏏
More on his achievements and journey 👉 https://t.co/wFLhmrPxJA pic.twitter.com/L0vJrKPdgt
— ICC (@ICC) November 13, 2023
Aravinda de Silva, fondly known as “Mad Max,” transformed batting in the middle overs and emerged as the first cricketing superstar in Sri Lanka. His strategic brilliance combined with power-hitting made him a formidable force in ODI cricket. The highlight of de Silva’s career came in the 1996 World Cup, where his stellar century in the finals played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s historic victory.
These three cricket icons, Sehwag, Edulji, and de Silva, were trendsetters in their respective domains, leaving an enduring impact on the sport. With six World Cup appearances, de Silva stands alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, emphasizing their remarkable contributions to the game.