Mumbai, Nov 22: Virender Sehwag is on the cusp of something very special. When he takes field at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday, to take on England, he will become only the ninth Indian to represent the country in 100 Test matches. Since his international debut in 1999, Sehwag has achieved varied amount of success playing different roles and different formats of cricket. And he has done it all with the same approach. Runs or no runs, praise or criticism, victory or defeat, Sehwag will live it all with a smile on his face and a song on his lips.
His batting has earned him admiration around the world. But what endears him to people is what he is as a man – simple, positive and one with a strong self-belief. These very qualities have earned him fans inside the dressing rooms he has been part of. One of them is MS Dhoni. The Indian captain pays his tribute to the man who he thinks is absolutely unique and special. We agree with him.
One of a kind
When it comes to Viru pa, you need a bit more time to understand him. It’s not possible for me to describe him in a line or two. All the players who have shared the dressing room with him know that his mindset is completely different from any other player in the world. As an individual too he is very different to anyone else. His mindset and how he faces up to a particular challenge is completely different.
Always up for a gauntlet
The most crucial decision in his career was when he decided to turn into an opener from a middle-order batsman. It was a big challenge for him but he accepted it and now his statistics are among the best you’ll see.
The ‘Impact’ player
I think he has a very important role in the team, right from the beginning of his career. He looks for runs from the very first delivery, which means if the bowler is even a bit off target, he’s under pressure straight away. We have seen that once a batsman goes on the attack against a bowler, it is difficult for that bowler to come back into the game. At this stage of his career, Viru pa’s experience in all the formats is very crucial for the team. Plus, he can also get us a few wickets. We have not been using him too much with the ball but he remains someone who can give us a few breakthroughs.
Simplicity personified
He’s very positive and always looks to score runs. It doesn’t matter to him if the wicket is turning, seaming or doing anything. He just goes in with one purpose and that is of scoring runs.
Positivity is his middle name
Whether he is in form or not, is no botheration for Viru pa. He remains positive. He works a lot on his game when the runs weren’t coming but his approach remains the same always. I think it’s not difficult for someone like him to get back into form. It’s your mindset that helps you get back into form and he is brilliant in that regards.
