Video: Virender Sehwag reveals his favourite cricket moments, most feared bowler & more
Swashbuckling Indian opener Virender Sehwag, who officially announced his retirement earlier on Tuesday, has spoken out about his journey in cricket and reminiscences his best moments in the game, in an exclusive interview with ANI News. The former cricketer opened up about his memorable moments and his special relationship with the ‘Fab 4’.
The ‘Nawab of Najafgarh’ also said that he wanted to stay connected with cricket and take up either a mentoring role or try his luck at commentating.
“Cricket is my love, after retirement I’ll stay in cricket, maybe commentary or coaching in some academy,” he said.
The 37-year-old also felt he was extremely lucky to have played alongside the likes of Tendulkar, Dravid, Kumble, Ganguly and Zaheer and named his former opening partner Tendulkar as one of his role models.
“I’m the luckiest guy as I got to play with Sachin, Dravid, Ganguly, Kumble and Zaheer. My role models were Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar.”
Was scared of facing only Muralitharan: Sehwag
In spite of his long list of achievements in the limited overs format, Sehwag remarked that the most memorable moment in his career was making his Test debut. The former cricketer also picked a few instances in his career, which he felt were special.
“The most memorable moment in my career was when I made my test debut. Scoring my first 300, winning the World Cup and scoring 201 against Sri Lanka are my most cherished moments,” he quipped.
Sehwag became a household name in 2004 when he became the first Indian batsman to score a triple century in Test cricket when he smashed 309 against a hapless Pakistani bowling attack in Multan. The batsman fondly recalls a moment in that match when VVS Laxman stood up and applauded when he had just crossed 281, which made him the highest individual run-scorer in Tests for India surpassing Laxman himself.
“When I crossed 281, I was happy to see VVS Laxman standing and clapping in the dressing room, these are valuable moments,” he recalled.
The presence of Sehwag walking out to bat sends chills down every bowler’s spine. However, the fearless batsman confessed about his only fear of facing one particular bowler in International cricket - Muttiah Muralitharan.
“I was scared of facing only one bowler, that was Muralitharan,” he said.
Finally, the cricketer acknowledged his fans and thanked them and his teammates who supported him over the years.
“I’m pretty happy with my career. Thanks to all my fans and players who supported me always,” Sehwad said.