Virender Sehwag disclosed that he almost retired from ODIs in 2008, but Sachin Tendulkar’s timely guidance persuaded him to continue.
Virender Sehwag Nearly Quit ODIs Before Sachin Tendulkar’s Advice Turned Things Around
Virender Sehwag, widely regarded as one of cricket’s most destructive openers, revolutionized the role with his fearless aggression. Known for his ability to take the game away from the opposition in a matter of overs, Sehwag enjoyed a highly successful international career, breaking numerous records and playing key roles in India’s multiple ICC triumphs. However, the former opener has revealed that he nearly retired from ODI cricket during a challenging phase in 2007/08, only to be persuaded otherwise by batting legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Virender Sehwag shared these revelations during an appearance on Padamjeet Sehrawat’s podcast, recounting the emotional rollercoaster he faced during India’s tri-nation series in Australia and Sri Lanka. The frustration began when Sehwag was dropped from the playing XI by then-captain MS Dhoni after the first three matches of the series. “In the 2007-08 series against Australia, I played the first three matches and then MS Dhoni dropped me from the side. I wasn’t picked for a while after that. Then I felt that if I can’t be a part of the playing XI, there is no point in playing ODI cricket,” Sehwag admitted.
Feeling ready to quit, Virender Sehwag sought advice from Tendulkar. “I went to Tendulkar and said, ‘I am thinking of retiring from ODIs.’ He said, ‘You are going through a trough, but it will pass. Give yourself 1–2 series, and then take a call,’” Sehwag recalled.
Taking Tendulkar’s counsel to heart proved a turning point. Sehwag returned to the Indian side, delivering match-winning performances and eventually playing a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph. Across his illustrious ODI career, Sehwag played 251 matches, amassing 8,273 runs at an average of 35.05, with a strike rate of 104.33, including 15 centuries and 38 fifties, cementing his legacy as one of India’s most fearsome and entertaining batsmen.
Sehwag on his son’s budding career
Virender Sehwag also opened up about his son, Aryaveer, who has already shown significant promise in cricket. In December 2023, Aryaveer was selected for Delhi’s U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy squad, signaling the start of what could be a bright cricketing journey.
Acknowledging the inevitable comparisons that come with being the child of a famous cricketer, Sehwag advised his son to approach the game with a clear mind and resilience. “That pressure will always be on you, but you should not take that pressure. Pressure is something that you give, not take… Hope he goes on to play either for India or the Ranji Trophy,” Sehwag said.
By sharing these insights, Sehwag not only emphasizes the challenges faced by children of sporting legends but also showcases the values of patience, composure, and personal growth—traits that defined his own illustrious career and will likely guide Aryaveer’s journey ahead.