Sachin Tendulkar’s Advice Saved Virender Sehwag’s ODI Career in
Virender Sehwag, one of India’s most explosive openers, has revealed that he came close to ending his ODI career in 2007-08. Famous for changing the approach to opening with his fearless batting style, Sehwag played a vital role in India’s major ICC victories and set numerous batting records.
During his appearance on Padamjeet Sehrawat’s podcast, Sehwag recounted a low point in his career. He was dropped by then-skipper MS Dhoni after playing the first three matches of the tri-nation series against Australia and Sri Lanka.
“In the 2007-08 series against Australia, I played the first three matches and then MS Dhoni dropped me from the side. I wasn’t picked for a while after that. Then I felt that if I can’t be a part of the playing XI, then there is no point in playing ODI cricket,” Sehwag admitted.
Turning to Tendulkar for Guidance
Frustrated, Sehwag approached Sachin Tendulkar to share his decision and seek advice.
“I went to Tendulkar and said, ‘I am thinking of retiring from ODIs’. He said, ‘No. I went through a similar phase in 1999-2000, where I felt I should leave cricket. But that phase came and went. You are going through a trough, but it will pass. Don’t make any decision when you are emotional. Give yourself some time and 1-2 series, and then take a call,’” Sehwag recalled.
That conversation proved to be the lifeline Sehwag needed. He soon returned to the team, delivered match-winning performances, and played an important part in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph. His ODI career concluded with 251 matches, 8,273 runs, 15 centuries, and 38 half-centuries at a strike rate of 104.33.
Message to His Son Aryaveer
Sehwag also spoke about his son Aryaveer, who made Delhi’s U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy squad in December 2023.
“That pressure will always be on you, but you should not take that pressure. Pressure is something that you give, not take… Hope he goes on to play either for India or the Ranji Trophy,” Sehwag said.
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