I wanted to retire in 2007, Sachin didn’t let me: Sehwag
New Delhi, October 28
Revealing that he wanted to retire at the top of his game, veteran batsman Virender Sehwag today said that it was Sachin Tendulkar who stopped him from calling it quits after he was dropped from the team in 2007. Sehwag finally retired on his 37th birthday on October 20, more than two-and-a-half years after his last appearance for the national team.
“Every player wants to retire at the top of his game. Had I also retired while playing international cricket, I could have given a retirement speech. But fate had something else in store for me,” said Sehwag. “I was planning to retire in 2007 when dropped from the team but Tendulkar stopped me from doing so.”
Sehwag’s career ended after he was dropped from the Indian squad following the second Test against Australia in March 2013. The destructive opener rued that the selectors did not give him enough chances and dropped him after a few failures. “The selectors did not ask me about my plans before dropping me. Had the selectors told me about their decision, I could have announced my retirement in that series.”
Sehwag rated Anil Kumble as the best captain he had played under, “Anil Kumble was the best captain I have played with. He used to boost our confidence.”
About his future plans, he said, “I will always be connected with this game. If I get an offer from the BCCI or any commentary offers, I will consider it. My commentary would be straight forward like my batting.” — PTI
