Former Indian Opener Virender Sehwag recalled fond memories of the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League, where he went up against his own teammates in the Indian team, in the cash-rich league. The 44-year-old played for Delhi Daredevils in the opening season of the IPL.
The 16th edition of the Indian premier league is underway, former Indian opener recollected the conversation with his teammates ahead of the Inaugural IPL, where he was up against his close friends Zaheer Khan, and Harbhajan Singh who played for different franchises in the league.
“When IPL happened, before that you used to play for the Indian team, now those same players got divided and played for different teams. Some played for my team, while some played for other teams. Especially Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, and Harbhajan Singh – they were my close friends – we used to say that you have played so much at the nets, come to the match and tumhe to kutte ki maar marunga (will thrash you like a dog),” Sehwag said on Star Sports.
Virender Sehwag revealed that he warned his teammates that he would hit them for cleaners and added that his teammates dismissed him on numerous occasions and admitted that it was a different challenge to go up against his teammates.
“However, nothing like that happened. Zaheer Khan got me out, then Ashish Nehra and Harbhajan too got me out. But I also hit good innings against them. When IPL came there was a sudden change in the atmosphere where you used to play against your national teammates,” Virender Sehwag added.
The destructive opener Sehwag played 104 matches in IPL, he scored 2728 runs at an average of 27.55 in India’s T20 league. He played his last season in IPL in 2015 for the Punjab franchise before announcing his retirement.
I Often Use These Words For Virat Kohli – Virender Sehwag On Gaikwad’s Heroics
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag heaped a praise on Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad for his terrific knock against Gujarat Titans in the opening game of the Indian Premier League 2023. The stylish opener hit nine superb sixes to score 92 runs off 50 balls in an astonishing batting display.
“I often use these words for Virat Kohli, but the way he batted today, was a real joy to my eyes. That’s the way he batted. No one was able to connect shots (for CSK) in that innings, everyone was getting out early, but he continued with his strong shots,” Virender Sehwag said.