Long way to go in the tournament, says supercool Sehwag

Trust Virender Sehwag to remain cool after playing a momentous knock. While other batsmen would have started to walk two inches off the ground after scoring a World Cup century, Sehwag keeps his head on shoulders while at the same time remaining confident and optimistic.

Super show
The swashbuckling batsman's composed attitude was on display after his match-winning 175 in the opening match against Bangladesh on Saturday as he hummed a Kishore Kumar song, 'O mujhe kushi mili aapne', on his way to the dressing room after the post-match conference.

"This is just the start. There is a long way to go in the tournament. However, start is always important," Sehwag said. The fact that he got out when in sight of a double hundred hardly bothered him. "I am very happy and not unhappy at all because I knew that 200 was just not going to be possible as there were only three overs left when I got out and I had to score 25 runs," he said. "I don't want to cry that I missed the double century. If it's destined to happen, it will happen. I am happy that India won. It was a crucial match and we have made a good start. "I like to contribute to the Indian team as much as possible. We have the momentum with us now and we have to capitalise on that."

Practical
Sehwag said he didn't want to look too far ahead when asked about his plans. "There are still 45 days to go in the tournament and there are lots of players who can score big runs. I cannot tell you what will happen after 45 days," he said. Sehwag praised Virat Kohli, who marked his maiden World Cup appearance with an unbeaten 100. "He is maturing very fast. We need young players like him to take the Indian team forward," the 32-year-old said. "He is a quality batsman. He is a good learner, and a good listener as well." Sehwag hurt his left knee while batting and needed a runner to complete his innings. But he was confident he would be fit for India's next match in Group B against England here on February 27.

"I will be fit to play," he said.