Virender Sehwag, known for his aggressive batting style, almost retired from One Day International (ODI) cricket in 2007-08 after being dropped from the Indian team by then-captain MS Dhoni. It was Sachin Tendulkar's advice that dissuaded him from making an emotional decision.

Sehwag revealed this incident during a recent podcast with Padamjeet Sehrawat. He recalled being dropped after playing the first three matches of the 2007-08 tri-nation series in Australia, which also included Sri Lanka. Frustrated by the exclusion, Sehwag felt that there was no point in continuing to play ODIs if he couldn't be part of the playing XI.

Sehwag then approached Sachin Tendulkar to inform him of his decision to retire. Tendulkar, having experienced a similar phase in 1999-2000, advised Sehwag against making a hasty decision based on emotions. Tendulkar told him that every player goes through ups and downs, and this tough phase would eventually pass. He suggested Sehwag to give himself one or two more series before making a final decision.

Taking Tendulkar's advice to heart, Sehwag continued playing and regained his form. He went on to become a crucial part of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup. Sehwag scored a century in India's opening match against Bangladesh and was known for his aggressive starts, often hitting a boundary off the first ball.

Sehwag played 251 ODIs, scoring 8,273 runs at an average of 35.05 and a strike rate of 104.33. His ODI career included 15 centuries, with a highest score of 219 against West Indies in Indore. He captained India in that match.

Sehwag also spoke about his son, Aryaveer, who was selected for Delhi's U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy squad in December 2023. He advised his son not to take pressure, and hoped that he would play for India or in the Ranji Trophy.