Sourav Ganguly sacrificed his opener spot to Virender Sehwag
Indian could never have seen a dashing hard-hitting opener if India’s one of the most successful captains Sourav Ganguly could not have taken a historic decision to sacrifice his opening slot to Virender Sehwag. Ganguly, who has a great eye to talent spotting, asked Virender Sehwag, who joined the Men in Blue as a middle order batsman. But, noticing his ability to make stroke Sourav decided to concede his spot to Virender Sehwag. India were also in dire need of opening batsman who can face the new ball well and his long stay at the crease can add quick runs to the board.
In the first Test of South Africa tour in 2001 in Bloemfontein, he opened the innings and went o to score a gusty hundred. Sourav’s decision was a success as Virender Sehwag went on to become India’s one of the most successful Test opener.
Sehwag after bidding the professional cricket goodbye thanked Sourav Ganguly as he becomes a legend of because of Sourav Ganguly’s historic decision.
“Ganguly sacrificed his opening spot for me, he loved me and had confidence in me. So, thank you Sourav, I am grateful to you. You saw me as a Test player. Had I not played in Tests, I would not have scored these many runs,” he said.