In a recent episode of “Breakfast with Champions,” former Indian cricket team opener Virender Sehwag expressed his admiration for former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, hailing him as the greatest middle-order batsman in Asia. Sehwag, known for his fearless batting style, explained why he picked Inzamam over the legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar.
Sehwag acknowledged Tendulkar’s extraordinary talent, describing him as being in a league of his own. However, he emphasized that he was not considering Tendulkar in this comparison, as he believed Tendulkar surpassed all other batsmen and was beyond comparison. Sehwag focused on the middle-order batsmen from other Asian countries and claimed that among them, Inzamam stood out as the best he had seen.
Sehwag reminisced about Inzamam’s ability to remain calm and unaffected by rising required run rates, particularly during the early 2000s. He highlighted Inzamam’s confidence and his ability to reassure the team in challenging situations. Sehwag mentioned that in 2003 and 2004, Inzamam would calmly state that he would comfortably achieve a target even with a required run rate of 8 runs per over. Other teams and players would panic under such circumstances, but Inzamam’s composed approach instilled confidence in his teammates.
Inzamam-ul-Haq is widely regarded as one of the finest cricketers and captains that Pakistan has produced. He amassed 8,830 runs in 120 Test matches and a remarkable 11,739 runs in 378 One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Known for his elegant stroke play and ability to anchor innings, Inzamam left an indelible mark on Pakistan cricket.
Sehwag’s admiration for Inzamam-ul-Haq highlights the respect and recognition given to the former Pakistani captain by his contemporaries. Inzamam’s contributions to the game and his exceptional batting skills have earned him a place among the pantheon of great middle-order batsmen in Asian cricket.
