ICC T20 World Cup 2016: Virender Sehwag still believes India has a great chance of winning the tournament
According to swashbuckling Indian opener Virender Sehwag, Team India remain overwhelming favourites to win the ICC T20 World Cup 2016 after their comprehensive victory against Pakistan at the Eden Gardens on 19 March.
He also showered praise on India’s star batsman Virat Kohli saying even his kids can’t move away from the television sets when Kohli is batting. Kohli played a stupendous knock to guide India to a victory over their archrivals.
"I had picked India, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies before the start of the tournament. I still feel that way, with India winning the title 99 percent. Okay, they lost to New Zealand in Nagpur but the same thing happened in 2011 (when India lost to South Africa in Nagpur) and we went on to the win the World Cup," Sehwag told NDTV.
India play their next game against Bangladesh on 23 March at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. According to the former Indian opener, India should win the match comfortably. Talking about India’s win against Pakistan, Sehwag praised Kohli’s batsmanship and said that the way the right-hander is batting is simply amazing.
“Even my kids want to see him bat," quipped Sehwag, after being reminded of his witty one-liners that he spoke while commentating on the India-Pakistan clash. Sehwag had said during commentary, "Pakistan ko goli se nahi Kohli se dar lagta hain (Pakistan don't fear bullets, they fear Kohli)"
Jadeja should not be replaced
When he was asked about replacing all-rounder Hardik Pandya with veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh in the starting eleven, Sehwag clearly said that Harbhajan should have played. He also added that Harbhajan is the most experienced spinner and if the pitch is turning he should be preferred in the team. Sehwag, however, wants Ravindra Jadeja to stay in the team despite his abysmal show with the bat.
"He is bowling well and you need him batting at number six-seven in case the top order fails. I would not want to replace him yet," Sehwag said about Jadeja. Sehwag, who used to be a nightmare for all the bowlers, was also asked to pick a player who is capable of carrying forward his legacy. He in his inimitable manner said that there is none now at the moment.
Sehwag also wants Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to carry till the 2019 Cricket World Cup and wants him to end on a high. He said that Dhoni is just 34 now and the great Sachin Tendulkar played till 40. So it could be great if Dhoni carries on till the 2019 World Cup and bids adieu in a grand manner.