Virender Sehwag, known for his aggressive batting style and outspoken personality, has often shared anecdotes from his playing days, many involving his interactions with teammates. One such story involves former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, revealing a humorous yet insightful moment during a match.
The incident occurred during the 2001 Coca-Cola Cup in Sri Lanka, during a match against New Zealand. This tournament marked a significant moment in Sehwag's career as he was promoted to open the innings in ODIs for the first time. India was chasing a target of 265, and Sehwag came out all guns blazing. In the 11th over, he launched an attack on Daryl Tuffey, smashing him for four boundaries and a six, propelling India to a strong position.
Ganguly, at the other end, repeatedly asked Sehwag to temper his aggression, advising him to focus on rotating the strike and maintaining a steady run rate. However, Sehwag, in his characteristic style, continued to find the boundaries. As Sehwag kept hitting boundaries, Ganguly's frustration grew. According to Sehwag, Ganguly approached him several times, saying, "We need five runs per over because we are chasing only 265, and we have got it". Sehwag's response was to hit the next ball for a boundary. Ganguly then said, "We have got runs for the next over also". Sehwag then hit another boundary, to which Ganguly responded, "we have got runs for three overs, so please take it easy". Despite the repeated requests, Sehwag continued his aggressive approach. Finally, an exasperated Ganguly asked, "Are you going to listen to me or not?".
Sehwag's reply was simple and direct: "Yeah, but I cannot miss full tosses". This statement, delivered with Sehwag's typical deadpan humor, left Ganguly speechless. The captain realized that trying to curb Sehwag's natural instincts was futile. This incident became a lesson in man-management for Ganguly, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting each player's unique approach to the game.
The story illustrates the contrasting personalities of Ganguly and Sehwag and how their interactions shaped their understanding of each other. Ganguly, known for his strategic mind and leadership skills, learned to adapt his captaincy to accommodate Sehwag's unconventional methods. Sehwag, on the other hand, while seemingly irreverent, had a deep respect for Ganguly and his role as captain.
Moreover, this episode underscores Sehwag's fearless approach to batting, which often caught the opposition off guard. His ability to hit boundaries at will, even under pressure, made him a valuable asset to the Indian team. Ganguly's initial apprehension and subsequent acceptance of Sehwag's style reflect his growth as a leader, recognizing that different players require different forms of motivation and guidance.
The incident remains a memorable anecdote, showcasing the lighter side of cricket and the importance of understanding individual strengths within a team. It exemplifies how a captain can learn valuable lessons from his players, fostering a more cohesive and effective team environment. It also highlights the mutual respect and understanding that existed between Ganguly and Sehwag, contributing to their successful partnership both on and off the field.
