 New Delhi: He once said in jest that the only difference between him and Sachin Tendulkar was in their bank balances, but Virender Sehwag, a trailblazer in his own way, said that as a batsman he can never be "half of what the batting maestro is". Very early in his career, Sehwag, whose height and body structure nearly makes him a Tendulkar lookalike when they are on the wicket, had said "the only difference between us is in our bank balance. I am nowhere near him." In fact, Sehwag arguably the most daring batsman in world cricket told PTI in an interview that he would be honoured if Tendulkar is viewed as his 'guru'. "I would be honoured if he is viewed as my guru and I as his shishya (disciple)." Excerpts from an interview: PTI: We all know Tendulkar is special to you, an icon you have been compared with throughout your career and about whom you once famously said 'the only difference between us is in our bank balance'. Virender Sehwag: That quote was said in jest. Please don't take that seriously. A Virender Sehwag can never even be half of what the batting maestro is. I am nowhere near him. I grew up watching and idolizing him, his style, his shots I always tried to copy.The best I can be is to be his disciple. I would be honoured if he is viewed as my 'guru' and I as his 'shishya'. PTI: Okay, when you view Tendulkar, what's the thing about him you wish you had? Virender Sehwag: Everything. And it's just not about his unique style of batting. It is his humility, his entire persona. I really feel his records will never be broken. For somebody to do it, he would not only need the talent and longevity but also a rare luck with injuries. And that still might not be enough! He started his career at the age of 15 plus. Somebody would have to start at 14 years! The equations you need to have in your favour to get past his 83 international centuries; nearly 30,000 runs and still counting are an impossible act. PTI: A trait you seem to share with Tendulkar is being cool on the field. You never seem to lose your shirt in a heated battle in the middle? Virender Sehwag: It's a philosophy I have learnt from my parents. They have always emphasized: If somebody teases you, you reply with a smile or laugh. It would only irritate him further. PTI: Sure bowlers would have tried to rile you with their tongue over the years. A fiery fast bowler, say somebody like Shoaib Akhtar? Virender Sehwag: Yes they do. I remember Shoaib Akhtar launching a fusillade of verbal barrage during my triple century in Pakistan. He kept bowling bouncers and taunting me: 'Maar. Himmat hai to ise maar' (if you have courage hit these bouncers) or 'tu sirf third man par hi shot mar sakta hai' (you can only hit in the third man area). I kept telling him: 'Yeh tu mere non-striker saathi ko bol ke dekh (You try bowling bouncers to my non-striker partner). My partner at that stage was Tendulkar. Source - http://cricketnext.in.com/news/i-am-not-half-as-good-as-sachin-sehwag/37594-13-2.html Personal View Thats how a great appreciated a legend  |
