They can become a Virat Kohli or a Hardik Pandya or an MS Dhoni, says Virender Sehwag on his growing sons

Former India opener Virender Sehwag is as fearless with his words as he was with the bat during his playing days. The 41-year-old, who established himself as one of the most attacking openers the game has seen across formats, currently keeps his supporters engaged with his humour-filled Twitter tones.

However, the only Indian batsman to have scored triple hundreds in Tests and a double hundred in ODIs, Sehwag doesn’t want his sons to emulate him as a batsman. Running his own Sehwag International School in Jhajjar, Haryana, the former cricketer often guides youngsters and that includes his own sons — Aryavir, 12, and Vedant, nine.

Speaking to Outlook recently, Sehwag said, “Cricket has given me everything that I have. When was I trying to break into the Delhi league circuit, I often travelled a couple of hours from Najafgarh, a place where I was born and brought up. Cricket continues to give me my bread and butter and it’s time to give back to society. The students eat the same. Good food is a must for healthy living. Everything now is adulterated.”

He added that a lot of times goes behind the children at his institutions. He said even if one or two among them can make it big by becoming an IITian, good doctor or a national cricketer, he would feel to have done something for the society. “I will then happily pass on the baton,” he added.

No pressure on kids to become cricketers, says Virender Sehwag

Speaking about his growing sons, Virender Sehwag said he would not like to see another Sehwag in them but a Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya or MS Dhoni. He cleared there is also no pressure on them to become cricketers either. But at the end of the day, they must grow up as good human beings which Sehwag felt is “non-negotiable”.

“I don’t want to see another Virender Sehwag in them. They can become a Virat Kohli or a Hardik Pandya or an MS Dhoni. But they don’t have to cricketers. They are free to choose their careers and we will help them achieve as far as possible. But the bottom line is to become good human beings. That’s non-negotiable,” he added.

“Aryavir is going to be 13 next year and teenagers are not easy to control. We spend as much time as possible with our children. When I was travelling, I missed them a lot. We realize that when children grow up, they will not spend any time with you. So, this is our best time,” he added.

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