Leicestershire have signed Indian World Cup batsman Virender Sehwag as one of their two overseas players for the coming season.

The 24-year-old is an explosive opener with 57 one-day internationals to his credit at an average of 36.32. In 14 Tests he has made 872 (average 41.52), hitting three hundreds.

Leicestershire head coach Phil Whitticase told the club's web site on Thursday: "He is one of the most exciting players to watch in world cricket.

"Although he is still a young man I see his experience being invaluable in helping bring on the other young talented players in the Leicestershire side."

Sehwag hit the seventh fastest one-day century off 69 balls against New Zealand in 2001 and two one-day hundreds on seam-friendly New Zealand pitches in 2002-3.

The Indian was involved in major controversy in 2001 when he received a one-game ban for excessive appealing in the second Test against South Africa at Port Elizabeth.

Four team mates were also censured while Sachin Tendulkar was fined for cleaning the seam. The affair led to a major row between the Indian board and ICC over the role of match referee Mike Denness.

Leicestershire's other overseas player when the season starts in April will be Australian all-rounder Brad Hodge, who had a short spell last year with Durham.

Leicestershire finished fifth in the English County Championship last season well behind winners Surrey and were sixth in the National League one-day competition. They also failed to make the finals of either of the other two one-day competitions.