Virender Sehwag reckons India are the favourites in World T20

Virender Sehwag has joined compatriot Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara in stating that the Indians will be certain favorites in the tournament. The former Indian batsman was full of praise for the side following the team’s recent exploits.

“We have batsmen like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Ashish Nehra and spin attack of Jadeja and Ashwin. I think India are the favourites for the competition,” said Sehwag.

Sehwag has been widely regarded as one of the greatest openers to be produced by India. Speaking on the current opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, Sehwag said, “They have become a good pair and if they stay there for first seven or eight overs, nobody can stop India.”

36-year-old Indian seamer Ashish Nehra has so far been a breath of fresh air. He has also, of late, become the muse for Virender Sehwag’s Twitter profile canvas.

“After his (Nehra’s) performance in the last IPL, he has been included in the national team and he has been doing better, especially taking wickets in early overs. I think he will play well like he did it along with Zaheer Khan in the 2011 World Cup.”

However, Sehwag’s comments issued a stern warning following the performances of the impressive Mohammad Amir. He said, “At present Pakistan has the best pace attack, especially Muhammad Amir who bowled well.”

Sehwag also shed light on the controversy regarding the India-Pakistan match scheduled to be played at Dharamsala.

He continued, “It is up to the ICC and BCCI how they react. But I am sure the match will take place, if not in Dharamsala then at some other place.” Speaking about his new role as an analyst, Sehwag jested, “I am becoming a cricket expert. Whatever happens, on the ground will be told to the listeners. We will also try to pull the leg of the players.”

Virender Sehwag also shared a unique yet important secret to his amazing batting performances.

“To keep negative thoughts away, I used to sing a lot of songs while batting. Singing used to keep me from getting distracted. I used to sing the golden songs of Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar.

“The aim of singing these songs was to keep negative thoughts away which could have distracted me to lose my wicket. What song, whose song and other things did not matter as long as they fulfilled the purpose.

“When I used to be at my end of the pitch, then I would sing. I would also talk to umpires at the non-strikers end for the same purpose.”