Mirpur, Feb 19: Virender Sehwag doesn’t usually think beyond the next delivery but memories of the heart-breaking loss to Bangladesh in 2007 were very much on his mind when he took guard on Saturday. The fiery Indian opener smashed 175 off 139 balls to set the tone of the Indian innings and take the game away from the hosts.
In a post-match interview, Sehwag admitted that he was eager to make amends for the 2007 loss and said that he was glad that the team responded to the challenge with a strong reply.
Excerpts
On the big win in the tournament opener
Yes, it was a good start for Team India. In my first interview I had said that this was a revenge game. We really played well.
On the 2007 loss against Bangladesh playing on his mind
Yes, of course, when we came here the press people asked me - How are Bangladesh in Test matches? I said they are not good in Test matches but they can compete well in one-day games. They can still compete well in one-day games and can disappoint any side.
On the miscommunication between him and Tendulkar
I spoke to Sachin [Tendulkar] in the dressing room. He said the aim was to win the game for India. It’s not about an individual. I feel bad about the run out, though. It was Sachin’s call and I was not listening to him.
On his innings of 175 off 139 balls
I started really well and I thought whenever I have started off well I get carried away and get out. I kept telling myself that I have to bat at least 20-30 overs. If I do that then maybe I [will be able to] score 100 runs in the first 30 overs. Special thanks to my physio and trainer - they have worked hard with me - Nitin and Ramji. I was carrying a couple of injuries and they worked really hard on me to get me fit for the game.
On almost seeing the innings through
Yes, my aim was to bat the entire innings through. And I’m happy to have almost done that at a strike rate of over 100.
On Virat Kohli’s unbeaten hundred
Yes, I think Virat batted superbly and he was [rotating the] strike very well. I think he deserved the century. He has really matured as a batsman.
On Team India’s performance
Everyone did well except Sreesanth - but one bowler can have an off day. The other four-five bowlers did the job for Team India.
On the condition of his knee
Yeah, it is a little sore.
