Three greats of the game have become the latest inductees to be added to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
The ICC announced three new additions to the ICC Hall of Fame on Monday, with legendary opener Virender Sehwag, India trailblazer Diana Edulji and Sri Lanka superstar Aravinda de Silva the latest inductees.
Virender Sehwag:
104 Tests – 8,586 runs at an average of 49.34, 40 wickets
251 ODIs – 8,273 runs at an average of 35.05, 96 wickets
19 T20Is – 394 runs at an average of 21.88
One of the most destructive batters of the modern era, Sehwag joins the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame with a record that is unable to be matched by many.
Sehwag scored a total of 23 Test centuries during his illustrious career - the fifth most by an India men's player - with his highest score of 319 against South Africa in Chennai in 2008 the best of any Indian player ever.
But it wasn't just against the red-ball that Sehwag thrived, with the dynamic right-hander just as effective against the white-ball with an equally imposing record at ODI level.
Virender Sehwag: Attacking, brash and a world-class opening batter
Sehwag totalled 8,273 runs for India in 50-over cricket and his 219 against the West Indies in Indore in 2011 remains the third-highest score achieved by any men's player at ODI level.
Sehwag also played a pivotal role in helping India claim their second ICC Men's Cricket World Cup title in 2011, with his 380 runs for the tournament the seventh-best for any player during the tournament.
The India great was thrilled to receive the honour of joining the ICC Hall of Fame.
“I would like to thank the ICC and the jury for inducting me with this honour," Sehwag said.
“I feel extremely grateful for having spent a great part of my life doing what I loved most, ‘hitting the cricket ball’.
“I would also like to thank my family, friends, people I played with, and countless people who prayed for me selflessly.”
20 Tests – 404 runs, 63 wickets at an average of 25.77
34 ODIs – 211 runs, 46 wickets at an average of 16.84
Edulji made just as big an impact on the field during her playing days when captain of India as she did as an administrator post-career and is a welcome addition to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
Edulji played 54 matches for India over three different decades and made her mark as a slow left-arm orthodox spinner that netted more than 100 wickets for her country.
But it is perhaps off the field that Edulji has had an even greater impact, having played a major role as a trailblazer for India’s women’s cricketers for many decades.
Diana Edulji: A true pioneer for India's female cricketers
In her role as administrator with Western Railways, Edulji worked hard to increase employment opportunities for talented female cricketers in India, and helped shape the sports policy of Western and Indian Railways.
Edulji said it was a massive honour to become the first female cricketer from India to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
“At the outset, I would like to thank the ICC and the Jury for having selected me to be inducted in the ICC Hall Of Fame 2023," Edulji said.
“It indeed is a great honour to be the first Indian Women Cricketer to be inducted and join a galaxy of cricketers, male and female from across the world.
"I am delighted to be considered for this award. It's not only a proud moment for me, my family and friends but also for BCCI and Indian Women's Cricket.”
93 Tests – 6,361 runs at an average of 42.97, 29 wickets
308 ODIs – 9,284 runs at an average of 34.90, 106 wickets
A winner of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup with Sri Lanka in 1996 and a classy batter that valued his own wicket, de Silva joins the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2023.
The consistent right-hander scored 20 Test centuries during an 18-year international career - the third most hundreds by any Sri Lanka men's player - and was just as adept against the white-ball with another 11 centuries coming in 50-over cricket.
The most important of those was in the 1996 World Cup final, as de Silva almost single-handedly willed his side over the line against Australia with an unbeaten 107* in what was an unforgettable run chase.
Aravinda de Silva: Sri Lanka all-rounder that starred on the biggest stage
A clever batter that always respected the situation of the game, de Silva was well renowned at being able to adapt the way he played depending on the circumstances and was an integral part in Sri Lanka's resurgence at the end of last century.
De Silva made special mention of the role his family had in helping guide his successful cricket career.
“I am filled with profound gratitude as I accept the immense honour of being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. This achievement is a tribute to the dedication, sacrifice, and love that have shaped my cricketing journey," de Silva said.
"My family, my parents, my sister, my wife and children are my anchor, and deserve the deepest thanks for their unwavering support and sacrifice, which have propelled me towards success. My friends, steadfast companions throughout my highs and lows, have been my pillars of strength.
“To my coaches, teachers, fans and supporters, your relentless belief in me has fuelled my drive to succeed. My mentors and captains have guided and inspired me, and my teammates have been my extended family on this incredible journey. To the ones I have played against, thank you for enriching
my game.
“My sincere appreciation goes to the ICC, and the Hall of Fame voting committee for this extraordinary recognition. I share this honour with all who have stood by and shaped me.
“Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey.”