Virender Sehwag predicts a big win for India in Nagpur Test

Former Indian cricketer, Virender Sehwag, looked absolutely positive about India’s chances in the second Test against Sri Lanka. The hosts were given a run for their money in the first Test against the Islanders. Team India did manage to pull things back on the final day but had to settle for a draw. On the eve of the Nagpur Test, Virender Sehwag predicted that the Indian team will will the match in just 4 days.

Sehwag mentioned that the track will assist the Indian bowlers. Hence, the toss will not be a crucial part in the match anyway. “I feel that India will wrap up the second Test match against Sri Lanka in four days. It depends all on the toss as the surface will help the Indian bowlers. Even if we lose the toss,” quoted Virender Sehwag as per the quotes in India TV news.

On Kohli’s concerns

Recently, the Indian captain, Virat Kohli, had cited that the packed schedule is not helping the cause of the players one bit. Sehwag feels that Kohli was right at pointing out at the issue. The team needs some time to prepare for the all-important tour of South Africa. But owing to the packed slot, it seems that they will not get enough rest before heading to the African nation.

“Kohli was right to point out that the team hasn’t got enough time to prepare for the South Africa tour. They will have two practice matches but if it rains there, their three-day practice match preparation will also go for a toss. If we get there two weeks before the series, the players can familiarise themselves with the wicket and have a few practice sessions to prepare themselves. This is poor planning by the Board, if the Sri Lanka series had to happen, they could have made it shorter for Team India to prepare themselves for the Proteas tour,” he quoted.

Sehwag cited that over the years, the players have always been informed about the fixtures. The stalwarts of the game often asked for it and had their plans accordingly. “We as players feel that the team management and the players should be involved when the fixtures are made. Sachin, Ganguly and Dravid used to ask before a tour and ask for practice,” he added.

Be ready for criticism

Virender Sehwag further spoke about the need to adapt to the overseas conditions. He rightly cited that every international player must have the ability to adapt to the different conditions. He also cautioned the men in blue that if they are being praised for their good show now, they would get criticism if they fail to perform in the coming South Africa series.

“As an international player, the players have to adapt to the condition no matter what the situation is. Some wickets will be different to what team India normally play on as there is a lot of bounce on the pitch in South Africa. Even if we win or lose, the intent of the player should be positive and to give their all on the field. If the players are used to compliments, they should get used to criticism as well,” said Sehwag.

Rest Virat Kohli, make Rohit Sharma captain

Lastly, citing the importance of the upcoming South African tour, Virender Sehwag feels that Virat Kohli should be rested before the tour. He needs his recovery time and deserves it. In his absence, Rohit Sharma can be made as the captain. Also, he cited the example of how Gautam Gambhir had led the Indian team in the absence of MS Dhoni for one series.

“Virat Kohli should take out time and spend some time with his family. As we have seen before, when MS Dhoni took a break and gave the responsibility to Gautam Gambhir, India didn’t lose a match and this time I think that India will not lose to Sri Lanka if Kohli does not play. Rohit Sharma can take on the captaincy role in the skipper’s absence,” reckoned Virender Sehwag.

“South Africa is an important tour for Team India as the people are waiting for a tougher challenge. Since India hasn’t lost a series yet in a while, the people are waiting to criticise the team,” conceded the former cricketer.