For Sehwag nothing has changed

NEW DELHI: Virender Sehwag has evolved as a batsman as none before. Nothing has changed about his cricket. He continues to be hungry for runs, wants to dominate the attack, likes to make his point with an authority that can give bowlers sleepless nights, and importantly, continues to ‘love’ cricket.

There is nothing complicated about Sehwag’s cricket. A simple stance, a mind-boggling range of strokes, lightning downswing of the bat, exceptional hand-eye co-ordination and the desire to start every innings as if a debut effort make Sehwag a most entertaining batsman to watch.

“I see no reason to change,” he says as a matter of fact. A matter-of-pride for Sehwag would be the prestigious Polly Umrigar award which he is set to receive at a function in Mumbai on Wednesday before flying off to New Zealand.

“Why should he change? His natural game is his strength,” asserts former great Kapil Dev, who — like Sehwag — retained his style through his career.

“Sehwag’s attitude towards the game is his strong point. He is the same as he looked when he started. Most batsmen change with age,” says Kapil.

“Don Bradman, Sunil Gavaskar, Viv Richards, Sachin Tendulkar all experienced changes with age. But not Sehwag.”

In modern cricket, only Adam Gilchrist and Sanath Jayasuriya have stuck to the same batting styles.

Sehwag is a rare batsman who evokes respect universally. Bowlers often do not look to snare him. Most of them look to contain him.

“I can’t imagine any other contemporary batsman commanding such respect. Have you ever heard of Sehwag making 30 off 100 balls?” asks Kapil.

On the other hand M.S. Dhoni, known for his savage hitting in the initial days, has shed his aggression to an extent that even a 50 without a boundary should not surprise his fans.

“I think it comes from his responsibilities as a captain,” Kapil offers a defence.

What about Sehwag? He is also a senior member and equally responsible for guiding the side in difficult situations.

“Honestly, I have always considered my role to be important. As an opener, I have the responsibility to give the team a good start. I feel happy only when the team wins.

“This is a team sport and individuals only contribute to make it a collective success,” says Sehwag, who, like the rest, failed in the two Tests on India’s last tour of New Zealand but hit two rollicking centuries in the one-dayers.

This time the team appears to be better prepared and Sehwag had reasons to be confident. “We are looking forward to the series. The seniors are keen to share the experience with the juniors. We collectively have a goal to win the series.

“I see a role for myself. I have to give the team good starts so that the incoming batsman walks in with greater purpose and confidence. “I am not looking at setting or achieving personal goals. It is all about the team doing well and I know all other members think the same way,” claimed the flamboyant opener.

Sehwag relies on proper training, conserving energy for bigger situations and regular yoga for relaxation when it comes to concentration. “I have never felt jaded because I have known my role. I am lucky that my captains and coaches have allowed me to be my own. And that, believe me, is the best thought to have. We are all keen to beat New Zealand. We have the potential to do that.”

(The Hindu, Feb 18, 2009)