Lean Sehwag is ready for Sri Lanka, says coach

Virender Sehwag's coach A N Sharma tells MiD DAY that his ward has a new slim look and he could well be the scourge of the Lankans again!

Virender Sehwag's coach A N Sharma tells MiD DAY that his ward has a new slim look and he could well be the scourge of the Lankans again!

As Virender Sehwag flies out with the Indian team today for their three-Test series in Sri Lanka, the only concern about the world's most dangerous batsman is his fitness.

LANKA'S NIGHTMARE: India's Virender Sehwag in full flow during his match-winning double hundred in the first innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka at Galle in August, 2008. Sehwag scored 201 in India's total of 329 runs. PIC/AFP

The dashing opening batsman's body has not held up well in recent times. Sehwag has suffered frequent breakdowns and has missed some important events including the last two ICC World Twenty20 tournaments.

The latest setback was in the Asia Cup at Dambulla last month where he had to leave mid-way after India's first two games due to a pulled abdomen muscle.

Raring to go
His long-time coach A N Sharma was concerned over his ward's frequent injuries, but sounded optimistic. "I spent a lot of time with him on Wednesday. Viru said, 'Sir, I am fit enough'. I am glad he's doing a lot of gym work so I am confident the injury will not reoccur now," Sharma told MiD DAY yesterday.

"The hours spent on his fitness shows on his appearance. He has changed so much and looks very slim and trim. The injury occurred while running between the wickets in the last match (Asia Cup game against Pakistan). He suffered a muscle-pull near the waist and he told me, it was so painful that he couldn't even walk," revealed Sharma.

"Too much cricket is being played and sometimes our body doesn't cope with it. The days of playing for sheer enjoyment are long gone. The intensity is too much be it batting, bowling or fielding and it takes a hell of a lot out of you," explained Sharma.

Given his brilliant recent Test form, Sehwag's presence will be a huge morale-booster. He scored hundreds in his last two Tests against South Africa.

Intimidating record
That the first Test versus Sri Lanka is in Galle doesn't augur too well for the home team. While the Lankan bowlers are up against a formidable Indian batting line-up, there is no one they fear more than Sehwag. His last innings against them was worth 293 runs at the Brabourne Stadium. In the previous series played in Sri Lanka, it was Sehwag who was a thorn in the Lankans' flesh. Most of the Indian batsmen were clueless against Ajantha Mendis in the three-match series, but Sehwag single-handedly won India the second Test with an exhilarating innings of 201 not out and 51 in the second Test at Galle.

Sharma said Sehwag is in a perfect frame of mind. "He is quite cheerful and energetic and is raring to go," said his coach.

"He enjoys Test cricket and the public enjoys when he plays. Let's hope and pray he will continue from where he left off," signed off Sharma.