Virender Sehwag, one of the most fearless opening batsmen of India, had a career defined by bold strokeplay and confidence. Known for explosive batting, Sehwag was always honest about his challenges as well. He once revealed that he almost quit One Day International cricket because he was dropped from the side for a long interval. His decision could have changed the course of Indian cricket history but a timely conversation with Sachin Tendulkar changed everything, a reminder of how the right guidance can stop a great player from making a decision in frustration.
Virender Sehwag recalled that during the 2007–2008 Commonwealth Bank Series in Australia, he played the first five matches and scored only 81 runs in total. His poor form led then-captain MS Dhoni to drop him from the playing XI for the final three matches of the series, which India won without him. Being left out made him feel that if he could not make it to the team, there was no reason to continue in ODI cricket.
He went to talk to Sachin Tendulkar and told him he was thinking of retiring. Sachin advised him not to make decisions in an emotional state and said that he had also gone through a similar rough phase around 1999–2000.
Sachin explained that downswings do not last forever and he encouraged Virender Sehwag to give himself a few more series before taking any final call. Sehwag followed that advice, returned to ODI cricket six months later in the Kitply Cup, scored two fifties and went on a strong run of form. He played in the 2011 World Cup and became a key part of the Indian team that went on to win the tournament.
Virender Sehwag finished his ODI career with 8,273 runs in 251 matches. He also spoke about his son Aryavir who is starting his own cricket journey in Delhi. Sehwag advises him that pressure is something you create for others, not something you should feel yourself. He encourages his son to focus on playing freely and naturally and he hopes that one day, his son will play for India or at least in the Ranji Trophy.
Virender Sehwag’s story is a powerful example of how crucial patience and mentorship can be. His decision to stay in the game not only benefited his own career but also contributed to India’s triumphs in the years that followed.
