Just like he plays with a straight bat, Virender Sehwag doesn't mince words when he speaks.
Just like he plays with a straight bat, Virender Sehwag doesn't mince words when he speaks.
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Virender Sehwag (right) has high regards for Sourav Ganguly. |
The explosive opening batsman, who led India to a convincing seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the fourth ODI at the Eden Gardens yesterday and seal the series with one match still to be played, dedicated his achievement as skipper to Sourav Ganguly.
The former India captain, who played a pivotal role in Sehwag's formative years in international cricket, witnessed India chasing down Sri Lanka's 315 for six with 11 balls to spare from the Eden gallery.
"For me, it (the victory) is something like a guru dakshina to Sourav," Sehwag told MiD DAY. "Ever since he pushed me as an opener, my life has changed. To do it in his city and in his presence makes the victory all the more special."
Though Sehwag (10) and Sachin Tendulkar (8) were dismissed early, the stand-in skipper had high hopes from his two Delhi teammates Gautam Gambhir (150 not out) and Virat Kohli (107).
"Despite (MS) Dhoni and Yuvraj (Singh) unavailable and Sachin and I dismissed early, I knew if Gauti and Virat can see off the next 10 overs, we will have a good chance of winning. I am pleased they did it in style," Sehwag said.
World Cup hopeMeanwhile, Sehwag said the series victory has given India hope ahead of the 2011 World Cup to be played in the sub-continent. "The success of youngsters like Ravindra (Jadeja) and Virat has given us hope to win the World Cup. These players will get a lot of exposure ahead of the World Cup and will have plenty of time to mature ahead of the all-important tournament," he said.
