Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag offered valuable advice to the Indian cricket team ahead of the 2023 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday.
Sehwag emphasized the importance of playing fearless cricket, urging the team to focus on giving their best without being preoccupied with the eventual outcome. In a media interaction during the ICC Hall of Fame induction program, where he was introduced alongside former India women's team captain Diana Edulji and Sri Lankan legend Aravinda de Silva, Sehwag stressed that results would follow if all 11 players adopt an aggressive approach.
Praising India's captain, Rohit Sharma, Sehwag acknowledged Sharma's leadership and his role in nurturing young opener Shubman Gill. With Sharma taking on the captaincy, Sehwag noted his increased responsibility and contribution to ensuring a strong start for the team.
While acknowledging India's recent success, Sehwag expressed concern about the team's less aggressive approach in Test matches. He attributed India's success to the strong bowling attack but remarked that the batsmen's method of accumulating runs lacked the attractive flair seen in other teams, particularly singling out England for their distinct and aggressive style of play. Sehwag observed that all England players adopt a similar aggressive cricketing approach, contributing to their unique brand of cricket.
(With Agency Inputs)
ALSO READ | Virender Sehwag Reflects on His ICC Hall of Fame Induction Night
ALSO READ | Sehwag, Edulji, and Others Join Prestigious ICC Hall of Fame
