Virender Sehwag dodges questions on the Indian coach selection

Virender Sehwag was one part of the collateral damage that followed after the selection of the Indian head coach. He was one of the initial five candidates who threw their hat in the ring for the position. In fact, he was a front runner until the time Ravi Shastri decided to turn the tables and punching in his application.

Sehwag today (July 18) evaded questions on the controversial selection of the Indian team’s head coach after being pipped by former Team India director for the high- profile job. Though the opinion of what the future of the Indian team management remained divided, Sehwag had a chance to assume the role as he was among the shortlisted candidates who were interviewed by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), comprising Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman.

Let’s it go

Viru has been vocal on most issues and is known to speak his mind, in general, but when he was asked whether he was told about a separate batting and bowling coach, he said: “if you ask questions on “Umeed India” (the show he is promoting) then I will answer. Thanks.”

He dodged the question and made it clear that the only focus of questions should be the event he is promoting. Sehwag spoke about difficulties Indian athletes face to prepare for events like the Olympics and World Championships.

When asked about his struggle when compared to these athletes, the former right-handed batsman said, “My struggle was nothing in comparison to them. For me cricketing facilities were available at every corner, there are 1000s of academies in Delhi where (one) gets facilities and equipments. There is no struggle for us cricketers in front of them.”

Other athletes who are interviewed for the show are wrestler Sakshi Malik and rower Dattu Bhokanal. The former Indian opener also said that he was touched by the struggle of Dattu, who at one time did not know swimming before finishing 13th in the Rio Olympics last year.