SPORTS

Rediff.com » Sports

'He might have prolonged his career, but he wouldn't have been Sehwag'
Source: PTI
October 21, 2015 20:15 IST

IMAGE: Former India coach Greg Chappell talks with Virender Sehwag after a practice session. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/Reuters

Amazed by the mental strength that Virender Sehwag exhibited in his prime, former Australian captain Ian Chappell said he would miss the just-retired
Indian swashbuckler, who could well have continued but only if he sacrificed his natural game. 

"He might have prolonged his career, but he might not have been Sehwag. I like it that he said, this is how I play, take it or leave it," Chappell told ESPNCricinfo

Dubbing the right-hander, who bid adieu to the game on Tuesday, as one of the "most entertaining batsman", Chappell said, "It has been many hours of pleasure watching Sehwag batting. He is a player of great mental strength. He just listens to you and then goes to the field the way he wants. And to be so successful in it was amazing."

IMAGE: Former India coach Greg Chappell (right) with Virender Sehwag during a practice session. Photograph: Parth Sanyal /Reuters

Chappell also recounted an incident which gave an insight into Sehwag's uncomplicated approach to the game. 

"I remember, I met John Wright during his coaching in India. He said to me after Sehwag got out cheaply off a bad stroke, he told Sehwag to be a bit cautious. When I asked John what was Sehwag's reply, John said Sehwag just smiled and did not reply. I am going to miss Sehwag, as I really enjoyed his
batting," he recalled. 

"The specialty about him was he said this is the way I play, you can say what you like about it but this is how I play. This suits me best. There are not many guys who are so mentally strong like him." 

The 72-year-old also admitted that he is going to miss Sehwag, as he really enjoyed his batting.

Source: PTI© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.
© 2024 Rediff.com