Former Indian Opener Virender Sehwag was happy with whatever he achieved in his life and added he was grateful for the opportunity to play for India. Sehwag, who attended the News18 India Chaupal on Monday, spoke about his playing days with India, the fitness standard of the current Indian team, and the reason for denying India’s coach job.
Speaking on India Chaupal, Virender Sehwag said he was thankful for things that happened in his life stating coming from a small family in Najafgarh to play for India and receive love and support from fans across the world.
“Not at all, I’m happy with what I achieved. Coming from a small family of farmers from Najafgarh I got the opportunity to play for India, got so much love and appreciation from fans and even if I would have captained Team India I would have gotten the same respect,” said Sehwag.
When asked about why he didn’t take up the coaching job with the Indian team, He said then Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Amitabh Choudhary asked him to apply for the job, as things were not going well between Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble.
“I wouldn’t have applied if Virat Kohli and then BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary hadn’t approached me. We had a meeting, and he (Choudhary) told me that things weren’t working out between Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble we want you to take the coaching position. He told me that Kumble’s contract will expire after the Champions Trophy in 2017 and then you can travel to West Indies with the team,” said the former Indian opener.
Later, Ravi Shastri replaced Anil Kumble as the head coach of the Indian team, where the Indian team made many famous overseas victories, especially in Test Cricket.
I Didn’t Get My Choice Of Support Staff – Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag further continued that he insisted that he wants to build new coaching staff around him, but the team management didn’t accept his request, so he didn’t travel to West Indies and then Sehwag worked with Punjab Kings which he ended after the 2018 season.
“I didn’t say yes or no, but I said if I travel to West Indies, I would want my coaching staff, the assistant coach, bowling coach, batting coach, and the fielding coach. I want my own choice for the support staff and I didn’t get that choice so I didn’t travel to West Indies,” Sehwag stated further.
Virender Sehwag will be seen as commentator in IPL 2023. This season of IPL will get underway on March 31, between the defending champifour-timet Giants and four-time champions Chennai Super Kings.