Virender Sehwag was among the millions who were glued to their television sets and celebrated when Sachin Tendulkar took a single to complete his 41st century in the last One-Day International of the four-match series against the West Indies in Vadodara, on Wednesday.
"Of course, I was happy to see Sachin Tendulkar scoring a hundred," Sehwag told rediff.com, as he watched his team, Delhi 'A', struggle against Delhi 'B' in a match at the Delhi and District Cricket Association ground on Thursday.
But he was unwilling to discuss anything about the strategy he is adopting to get out of the lean patch that forced the Indian selectors drop him from the team for the just-concluded series.
"This is not the right time to speak. When the time comes I shall speak," he said, before walking off to the dressing room.
The Nawab of Najafgarh was visibly upset at the treatment meted out to him, so much so that he refused to comment about India's chances at the forthcoming World Cup, in the West Indies, in March.
His coach though was more forthcoming.
"Veeru is working hard," declared A N Sharma.
He felt the enforced break would do the dashing opener a world of good.
"We have been working on some of his shortcomings. He [Sehwag] was worried about the manner in which he got out in recent matches -- mainly due to poor shot selection. All that I can say is that his game is improving," Sharma said.
Sharma ensures that Sehwag bats for at least an hour daily and faces a variety of bowlers, both fast and spin.
"I make it a point that he gives his best. There is one condition: he must not get out during the practice session. He is toiling hard and I am sure he will overcome the lean patch soon. After all, this patch comes in the life of all cricketers, whether they are persons like Sunil Gavaskar, Tendulkar or someone else.
"He is determined to put things behind and looking forward to joining the team for the World Cup," Sharma added.
