India in SL

Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir with their range of shots form the most successful opening pair for India in Test cricket.

Sehwag, a lethal blend of brutal assault and street smart shot selection and Gambhir, an example of class and calm have opened together in 14 Test mathces, 12 less than the famed duo of Sunil Gavaskar and Chetan Chauhan.

However, the two Delhi Daredevil teammates have been on a rampage ever since they got together at the top of the order. In the 23 innings that they have walked out together, they have rattled off 1320 runs at an average of 60, higher than the Chauhan-Gavaskar effort of 53.75.

The two Delhi teammates may be completely different players but they gel perfectly because both like to attack and drop anchor.

They have put tp three century and seven half century partnerships, with a best of 218. They have been outstanding in Sri Lanka in the ongoing Test series, where the famed middle order has disappointed with, contributing less than 20 runs per innings.

What is also intersting is the fact that sehwag features along with Wasim Jaffer fourth in the all time list of the most successful opening pairs for Indisa in Test cricket. He has averaged a more modest 36.82 with Jaffer, blazing 1,031 runs, with a best of 213.

Sehwag and Gambhir attack from the outset and know each other's game as well as they know their own. In fact, the two have played together for the same club, the same Ranji team (Delhi) and formed the deadliest pair in the IPL.

Both play spin as well as they negotiate pace and movement early on and run between the wickets with absolute trust in the other's calling.

Sehwag and Gambhir look all set to keep the fear factor well and truly alive for bowlers across the globe. The legend has just begun. There are many tales yet to be written.