Virender Sehwag did not want a farewell match: Coach AN Sharma

Sehwag's childhood coach did not find any basis to the story that he wanted a farewell match and states it was actually he who wanted it for Viru; says Sehwag 'did not get what he deserved'

'Virender Sehwag retired hurt?' was a headline splashed on a television channel yesterday as news trickled in about India's most brutal batsman hanging his boots. The report was about Sehwag, who turned 37 yesterday, asked for a farewell match which the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly did not grant.

Also view in pics: Virender Sehwag - The man and his many moods


Coach AN Sharma

Sehwag's childhood coach AN Sharma did not find any basis to that story. "Sehwag wanting a farewell match… no, never. He has never asked anyone; neither did he want one. It was me who wished for it (a farewell match). What saddens me is that he didn't get what he deserved," Sharma told mid-day from New Delhi yesterday.

Also Read: Four selectors did not want Virender Sehwag, recalls Madan Lal

Selfless Sehwag
"He gave India so many victories and several memorable moments, but he wasn't treated in a right way after he was out of the Indian team. Even the DDCA (Delhi & Districts Cricket Association), did not honour him well and that is why he decided to move to Haryana (for the ongoing Ranji Trophy season). He didn't get enough support. India can never find another Sehwag. He is a gifted player… a rare talent. He was a selfless player," added Sharma.

Also Read: I have always done what I felt was right: Virender Sehwag

Cricket fans across the world may have never got a chance to witness the genius of Sehwag had it not been for his childhood coach. The Nawab of Najafgarh, who retired from international cricket and the Indian Premier League with immediate effect yesterday, paid special tribute to his guru in his official statement.

Thank you sir
He said: "I want to thank my coach Mr AN Sharma sir who was possibly the only coach who could have groomed me into the player I became. I would probably have struggled to play for my school under any other coach."

Sharma explained his coaching style: "My basic idea is about developing the player. That is what I feel is quality coaching. I would make subtle changes to his technique without him knowing.

"For example, I showed him a couple of grips to hold the bat and made him judge for himself which one was comfortable. I never believed in forcing anything (on him). These coaching manuals are useless. Every kid has his own way of playing and in this way, they also enjoy the game."

'Virender Sehwag retired hurt?' was a headline splashed on a television channel on Tuesday as news trickled in about India’s most brutal batsman hanging his boots. The report was about Sehwag, who turned 37 yesterday, asked for a farewell match which the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly did not grant.

Sehwag’s childhood coach AN Sharma did not find any basis to that story. "Sehwag wanting a farewell match… no, never. He has never asked anyone; neither did he want one. It was me who wished for it (a farewell match). What saddens me is that he didn’t get what he deserved," Sharma told mid-day from New Delhi on Tuesday.

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